Pakistan is set to make history in space exploration as one of its astronauts prepares to join China’s Shenzhou-24 mission, becoming the first foreign national to visit the Chinese space station. The development marks a major milestone in Pakistan-China cooperation and the country’s growing ambitions in space research.
The Pakistani astronaut will serve as a payload specialist, carrying out scientific and technical activities during a short-duration mission in orbit. Following the mission, the astronaut is expected to return to Earth aboard the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft.
China has not yet revealed the selected astronaut’s identity or announced the launch date. However, two Pakistani candidates, Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud, have completed extensive training in Beijing as part of the selection process.
One candidate has been selected for the historic mission, while the other will serve as a backup astronaut. Both have undergone rigorous preparation to meet the demands of space travel and scientific operations aboard the station.
The mission represents an important step in Pakistan’s space programme and highlights strengthening cooperation with China. It could also open new opportunities for Pakistani scientists and future participation in international space exploration.
