Beijing, August 4, 2025(Kamran Raja): Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, held a high-level meeting with Mr. Shan Zhongde, Chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority and China’s Space Agency, during his visit to Beijing today. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral collaboration in nuclear energy and space research, aligning it with broader national development goals of both countries. Minister Ahsan Iqbal highlighted that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has played a transformative role in eliminating infrastructure and energy bottlenecks in Pakistan. He underscored the growing cooperation in the nuclear energy sector, citing projects such as K-2, K-3, and C-5 nuclear power plants as hallmarks of strategic collaboration between the two nations. Addressing the urgent challenges of climate change, the Minister emphasized the importance of adopting alternative energy sources to safeguard sectors such as food security, water, healthcare, agriculture, and minerals. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to a green energy future.
Highlighting Pakistan’s renewed focus on space exploration, Minister Iqbal noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the country’s space program has gained momentum. He introduced the “Uraan Pakistan” initiative, aimed at accelerating advancements in space sciences and technology. The Minister shared recent achievements, including the successful launch of three satellites in cooperation with China, and announced that Pakistan’s first astronaut is set to travel to the Chinese space station in 2026. Additionally, he revealed that SUPARCO has been mandated to launch a lunar mission by 2035. He emphasized Pakistan’s advantage of having a skilled and cost-effective human resource pool, and invited deeper Chinese collaboration in capacity building and joint research. He further shared that Pakistan has established a Quantum Computing Center to address emerging technological frontiers. Minister Iqbal called for enhanced research partnerships and knowledge exchange between CAEC, SUPARCO, and the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, aimed at the peaceful use of nuclear and space technologies. He also stressed the importance of expanding opportunities for young Pakistani scientists to pursue higher education and training in space technologies through Chinese exchange programs. Chairman Shan Zhongde acknowledged Minister Iqbal’s contributions to CPEC’s success, reaffirming China’s commitment to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan in space research and peaceful nuclear energy. He noted that the enduring geo-strategic partnership between China and Pakistan has now evolved into a deep-rooted economic alliance.
Both sides agreed to continue working closely to harness science, technology, and innovation for mutual prosperity and regional progress.