Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan has achieved a major breakthrough in its space endeavors with the successful launch of a remote sensing satellite from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in China.
The operation was carried out by the country’s national space agency, Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), in collaboration with China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) and MICROSAT China.
This satellite is expected to provide high-resolution imaging capabilities around the clock, enhancing Pakistan’s technological edge in a range of critical sectors.
The newly launched satellite is poised to significantly bolster national capacities in areas such as urban development, infrastructure planning, disaster risk reduction, and emergency response.
Additionally, it will support agricultural productivity, monitor deforestation, assist in environmental conservation, and contribute valuable data for water management and climate change assessments.
These advanced capabilities are aligned with Pakistan’s broader goals of sustainable development and improved public welfare.
The achievement is being hailed as a vital step toward building a more secure and prosperous future for the nation.
By integrating cutting-edge satellite technology into national planning and resource management, Pakistan is reinforcing its position within the global space community. This initiative not only strengthens the country’s technological foundations but also signals a deeper scientific and strategic collaboration between Pakistan and China.
Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar praised the efforts of the engineers, scientists, and technical staff from both SUPARCO and its Chinese partners, acknowledging their professionalism and dedication to the success of the mission.
His sentiments were echoed by Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, who congratulated the nation and recognized the launch as a proud milestone in Pakistan’s space journey.
In a message shared on his official X account, Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the excellence and determination of the SUPARCO team. He remarked that this accomplishment not only elevates Pakistan’s role in space technology but also exemplifies the deep-rooted ties between Pakistan and China—taking their strategic partnership “beyond the skies.”
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have felicitated the Pakistani scientists on the successful launch of the remote sensing satellite.
In a statement on Thursday, the president said that Pakistan is proud of the capabilities of its scientists.
He said this advanced satellite will assist in monitoring natural disasters, timely warnings, agriculture, urban planning, infrastructure development, and environmental observation.
President said this milestone is a shining symbol of Pakistan's growing space capabilities.
He also thanked China for its cooperation in the successful launch of the satellite.
In a post on social media platform X, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said this achievement showcases the soaring heights of Pakistan-China cooperation, extending beyond borders and into outer space, driven by a shared vision to harness space technology for the betterment of humanity.
The prime minister said that the satellite will have wide ranging benefits for CPEC as well as applications for use in agriculture, urban planning, disaster management, mapping of transportation networks and data acquisition in different environments.
“We are grateful to our Chinese partners for their invaluable support and collaboration in advancing Pakistan's space program,” PM Shehbaz said.