Pakistani astronaut to enter Chinese space station as payload specialist

A Pakistani astronaut will participate in a short-duration spaceflight mission of the Chinese space station as a payload specialist.

It came after the signing of a cooperation agreement between China and Pakistan in February 2025, under which the Chinese government began to select and train a group of Pakistani astronauts, with one of them selected selected the first foreign astronaut to enter the Chinese space station.

The selection process has been underway.

According to the project, the Pakistani astronaut will conduct scientific experiments for Pakistan during the short-duration space mission, as well as perform routine crew duties during the flight.

Since its inception, China's manned space program has consistently adhered to the principles of peaceful utilization, equality, mutual benefit and shared development, the Chinese side noted.

China always welcomes global counterparts to participate in its manned space program and share the achievements in this area, and is committed to working together with them to advance global space technology and making new contributions to the peaceful use of space and the benefit of all humanity.