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PAKISTAN TO SEND FIRST MANNED MISSION TO CHINA’S SPACE STATION SOON: PM Saturday, 1 March, 2025 I 30 Shaban ul Moazzam, 1446
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PM SHEHBAZ TERMS SUPPARCO'S AGREEMENT WITH CHINA’S MSA YET ANOTHER STEP TO FURTHER DEEPEN BILATERAL COOPERATION
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HIGHLIGHTS PAKISTAN’S PARTICIPATION IN THE CHINA SPACE STATION PROGRAM REFLECTS DEEP-ROOTED TIES BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES
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ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said that Pakistan, in collaboration with China, will send its first space manned mission to China’s space station. Addressing a ceremony after witnessing the exchange of a cooperation agreement between Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPPARCO) and China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), the prime minister said that this was yet another wonderful gesture from Chinese government to further deepen bilateral cooperation in this field. He emphasized that under the dynamic leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping, not only the space programme was progressing speedily but also mega projects in other sectors were built in Pakistan under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which had really transformed the country’s landscape. He highlighted that Pakistan’s participation in the China Space Station program reflects the deep-rooted ties between the two countries and will con-
tribute to mutual knowledge-sharing and the broader vision of peaceful space exploration for the benefit of humanity. Under the agreement, two Pakistani astronauts will undergo training at the Astronaut Center of China. One selected astronaut shall be trained as a scientific payload specialist, preparing for specialized research aboard the China Space Station (CSS). The astronaut selection process will be completed by 2026, with the aim of flying in an upcoming mission
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as per CSS planning. The first national astronaut’s mission at CSS will involve conducting cuttingedge scientific experiments in various fields, including biological and medical sciences, aerospace, applied physics, fluid mechanics, space radiation, ecology, material sciences, microgravity studies, and astronomy. Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal termed the agreement a historic milestone, underscoring its role in
accelerating technological innovation, capacity building, and research. He stated that the collaboration with China extends beyond astronaut training, laying the groundwork for Pakistan’s long-term growth in human spaceflight and exploration. Director General of China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), Dr Lin Xinqiang expressed his enthusiasm for this partnership, reaffirming China’s dedication to strengthening international cooperation in space exploration. He highlighted that Pakistan’s participation in the China Space Station program reflects the deep-rooted ties between the two countries and will contribute to mutual knowledge-sharing and the broader vision of peaceful space exploration for the benefit of humanity. Chairman SUPPARCO Mohammad Yousaf Khan regarded the agreement as a landmark in Pakistan’s space journey, emphasizing perseverance, adaptability, and technological progress. He invited youth, professionals, and academia to actively participate in Pakistan’s astronaut program, encouraging them to contribute to the nation’s space exploration efforts through research, innovation, and skill development.
Ramazan moon not sighted, fasting to commence on Sunday ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Tarar terms Suparco agreement with China on space mission as milestone ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture Attaullah Tarar said on Friday that the agreement between the Chinese Space Agency and Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) regarding Pakistan’s first manned space mission was an important milestone. Delivering his speech at the ceremony of exchanging documents of the agreement on cooperation in space research between Pakistan and China, he said he was grateful for the cooperation of the Chinese government. “In the light of the Prime Minister’s vision, SUPARCO’s steps are commendable. The cooperation between Pakistan and China in the space sector is a matter of pride,” he maintained. He said that Chinese astronauts will provide training to Pakistani astronauts, will be able to travel to the Chinese Space Station within a year. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the government is focusing on the development of the space research sector,” he remarked. Tarar said with the grace of Allah Almighty, the green crescent flag of Pakistan will also go to space and this would be a great achievement with the help of China.
The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee on Friday said that the Ramazan moon was not sighted in the country and that the first day of the holy month would fall on Sunday (March 2). Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, while speaking to the media in Peshawar, said that the different zonal committees across the country were set up to receive testimonies for the moon sighting. “No testimony was received for sighting of the moon from any place in the country,” he said, adding that after reaching a consensus, it was decided that the first day of the holy month will land on Sunday. In a separate announcement following the committee’s decision, the federal government also announced that the Ramazan moon was not sighted, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony. Ramazan 1 shall commence on Sunday (March 2), according to the notification. The 24-member committee had assembled and that the weather in Peshawar was overcast, which lessened the possibility that the moon would be sighted. Zonal Ruet-i-Hilal Committees in Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore and other cities also gathered to sight the new moon, according to media reports. The zonal committee in Quetta said that the moon had not been sighted anywhere in Balochistan.
“There was heavy rain in the coastal areas of Balochistan,” Haqqani said, adding that the central committee was updated about the situation. “The central Ruet-i-Hilal committee will announce the final decision,” he added. Meanwhile, the zonal committee in Islamabad informed the central committee that the Ramazan moon had not been sighted in the capital. Earlier this week, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) had forecasted that the holy month of Ramazan would begin on March 2 (Sunday), while Eidul Fitr would be observed on the 31st of the month. However, it emphasised that the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee would examine testimonies from across the country and formally announce the holy month’s official start since the unaided observation of the crescent moon with the naked eye was a religious obligation for determining the month’s beginning. “According to precise astro-
nomical models, the new moon (conjunction) for Ramazan will occur on February 28, 2025, at 05:45 PST. However, the visibility of the crescent depends on key factors such as the moon’s age, its angular separation from the sun, altitude at sunset, and atmospheric conditions,” Suparco said in a press release. It added that the probability of the moon’s visibility on Feb 28 was “not visible even with optical aid”, and thus the likelihood of a moon sighting on the date in Pakistan is “extremely low”. “Consequently, Sha’aban is expected to complete 30 days, and the first day of fasting will likely be observed on March 2. However, the Pakistan Meteorological Department said on February 7 that the moon would not be sighted on February 28. “According to astronomical parameters, there is no chance of sighting the new moon of Ramazan … on the evening of 2802-2025,” the department said in a statement.
Bugti directs LEAs to adopt effective strategies to prevent illegal closure of highways QUETTA
STAFF REPORT
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Friday directed the law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to adopt effective strategies to prevent illegal closure of highways and solve the problems of the people immediately. He said this while chairing a high-level meeting regarding law and order and illegal closure of national highways at Chief Minister Secretariat. According to Balochistan Government Spokesman Shahid Rind, Additional Chief Secretary Home Zahid Saleem while giving a briefing in the meeting said that there have been 76 incidents of closure of national highways since January 01, due to the closure of the highways, the public faced severe problems. He said that in the meeting, the Chief Minister of Balochistan expressed deep concern over the frequent incidents of road closures and ordered to prepare an effective strategy for its prevention. The Chief Minister said that all such districts where the roads are still closed, the highways should be restored there immediately otherwise action will be taken against the concerned officers, he said. He said that the Chief Minister once again issued orders to enforce Section 144 in the province to prevent any illegal activities. Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said that it is the right of every citizen to protest but blocking of national highways will not be tolerated under any circumstances. He said that some elements are trying to harass the passengers by using women and children as shields, which is unacceptable and such activities would not be tolerated under any circumstances. According to the spokesman, Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan, Additional Chief Secretary HomeZahid Saleem, IG Police Balochistan Moazzam Jah Ansari and other senior officials participated in the meeting. In the meeting, various measures were considered to improve the law and order situation.
Eight people die as passenger bus plunges into ravine on Lahore Motorway CHAKWAL
STAFF REPORT
Eight people died after a passenger bus traveling from Karachi to Swat veered off the road and plunged into a ravine near Neela Dullah on the M-2 Motorway. According to rescue sources, five people died instantly, while 18 others sustained injuries. Three more passengers succumbed to their wounds at the hospital, raising the death toll to eight. The injured were shifted to HHQ Hospital Chakwal for medical treatment. Authorities secured the accident site and used cranes to recover the wrecked bus. Initial investigations point to driver negligence as the cause of the crash. The bus was carrying 43 passengers at the time of the incident.
Suicide blast kills JUI-S leader among six at Darul Uloom Haqqania AKORA KHATTAK
STAFF REPORT
A suicide blast killed six worshippers, including JUI-S leader Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani, and injured 20 others at the mosque of Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Nowshera district, KP Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed confirmed on Friday. “Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani, the son of the late Maulana Samiul Haq and head of Darul Uloom Haqqania was among those killed, said KP government spokesman Muhammad Ali Saif. The KP IG Police said that the blast tore through the mosque of the Darul Uloom as worshippers gathered for Friday prayers, confirming it was a suicide blast. “Three policemen were also injured in the attack,” Hameed said. While speaking to a private TV, the KP IG said it appeared Haqqani was the target of the suicide blast. No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. “He was a great religious scholar whose
immense services to Islam are unforgettable,” said Advisor to KP Chief Minister Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif in a statement. “Maulana Hamidul Haq’s martyrdom is an irreparable loss.” According to the Directorate of Public Relations KP Police, the blast occurred at 2pm, adding that police and rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the site of the incident. In a statement issued by the office of the hospital director, six people were killed in the attack, while at least 15 were injured. Rescue officials transported the injured to nearby hospitals while the provincial government declared an emergency in all hospitals and health facilities across Peshawar, about 70km away from Nowshera by road. “The presence of medical staff and necessary medicines be ensured,” read a statement from the KP commissioner’s office. KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur ordered an immediate report on the incident and directed officials to “provide the best medical facilities” to the wounded. “Targeting innocent people in a place of worship is an inhumane act,” Gandapur said, adding that “all available resources should
be used to bring the elements involved in the heartbreaking incident to justice.” Haqqani, the son of assassinated cleric Maulana Samiul Haq, served as vice chancellor of the Darul Uloom Haqqania and chairman of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Sami (JUI-S) political party. He previously served as a member of the National Assembly from 2002 to 2007. Condemnations pouring in President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the “heinous act of targeting worshippers in a suicide attack”, according to a statement from the President’s House. “Targeting innocent worshippers is a despicable and heinous act,” he said, adding that “Terrorists are enemies of the country, nation and humanity.” He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the bombing, and expressed sorrow over Maulana Haq’s death, said a statement issued by his office. He prayed for the early recovery of injured and directed best medical facilities be provided to the injured and sought a report of the incident.
“Such cowardly and heinous acts of terrorism cannot dampen our resolve against terrorism,” the PM said. “We are resolute to completely eradicate all forms of terrorism from the country.” Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, while denouncing the blast, expressed deep sorrow and regret over the loss of precious human lives, according to the interior ministry’s
post on X. “[He] extends heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of the martyrs, prays for the speedy recovery of the injured, including Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq Haqqani.” KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also sought a report of the incident from higher authorities, calling the explosion a “conspiracy of hostile forces”.