This partnership not only strengthens our relationship but also brings significant benefits to the people of Pakistan, especially those who live in remote and difficult areas.
Minister Ahsan Iqbal shared this view with the Vice President (China Aerospace Science and Technology Cooperation (CASC)) before the launch of the satellite in Xichang, China. Minister of Planning Prof. He discussed future space technology and deepening cooperation between Pakistan and China with the Chinese ambassador from the Asian Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China.
Iqbal was accompanied by Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi and SUPARCO Chairman Muhammad Yousuf Khan. According to information released by SUPARCO, this satellite is equipped with SBAS (Pakistan Space-Based Augmentation System), which makes Pakistan the 11th country in the world to have SBAS – India, USA, Russia, China, Japan, Europe, South Korea, Australia , Nigeria and Algeria.
Appreciating the hard work of the scientists and engineers at the Space and Upper Atmospheric Research Group (Suparco) and all those involved in the mission, the minister said that Pakistan has started a new digital revolution. This technological movement follows the 5E framework launched by Ahsan Iqbal in 2023 as the Minister of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives. The framework provides a visionary plan for economic development in five regions.
e-Pakistan. This priority recognizes the transformative power of information and communication technology and thus aims to build a digital economy and develop digital infrastructure in Pakistan.
Earlier, the minister also met Pakistani scientists, engineers and the SUPARCO team. Ahsan Iqbal is on a 2-day visit to China to meet key officials involved in the satellite launch.
A day before the launch, Vice President of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) Mr. Lin held a meeting to discuss cooperation between Pakistan and China in the field of satellite technology.
In the meeting, Minister Iqbal appreciated the joint efforts of CASC and China Great Wall Industrial Partnership to produce satellites that will benefit millions of Pakistanis living in remote areas. A testament to the strong partnership between the two countries, Sputnik will bring vital connectivity, digital education, health and e-commerce capabilities to respected communities in Pakistan.
Project Sputnik is an important step towards bridging the digital divide in Pakistan and providing essential services to those most in need. Satellites will revolutionize communication and communication in Pakistan. It is expected to make a difference in the lives of millions of Pakistanis, empowering them with the tools and resources they need to thrive in the digital age.
“The launch of Pak Sat MM1 is a new feather in the cap of CPEC, now cooperation in space technology has officially entered the purview of CPEC,” said Minister Iqbal.
Minister Iqbal also said that the launch of PAKSAT-MM1 a few days before Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China was an expression of the joint purpose of Pakistan and China.
Minister Iqbal also asked Lin Yiming that CASC (China Aerospace Science and Technology Cooperation) should develop research centers in Pakistan and utilize young Pakistani scientists and engineers.
The Vice President congratulated the Pakistani engineers who have worked together and considered them equally talented, the Chairman of the Chinese Academy of Aerospace Technology (CAST) and the China Great Wall Industrial Corporation (CGWIC).
A few hours before the launch of the satellite, Ahsan Iqbal was interviewed by local media in Xichang, China about the launch of Pakistan’s Multi Mission Satellite. “The successful launch of PAKSAT-MM1 is the result of hard work and cooperation between SUPARCO Pakistan and the Pakistani aerospace industry, the Chinese aerospace industry is proud to point out an excellent example of technological cooperation between the two countries.
