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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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ISLAMABAD
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HIGHLIGHTS PAKISTAN’S PARTICIPATION IN THE CHINA SPACE STATION PROGRAM REFLECTS DEEP-ROOTED TIES BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES
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 pro-
gram 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. 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
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 com-
mittees 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.
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.