BEIJING: Pakistan and China held discussions on aligning their cooperation in nuclear energy and space research with broader development objectives. The talks took place as Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal met with Shan Zhongde, Chairman of China’s Atomic Energy Authority and China’s Space Agency.
The meeting focused on enhancing collaboration in these sectors to support national development goals. Iqbal highlighted the significance of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), noting that it has significantly alleviated infrastructure and energy sector bottlenecks in Pakistan. He emphasized the growing partnership in nuclear energy, pointing to the K-2, K-3, and C-5 nuclear power plants as successful examples of strategic cooperation.
On climate change, Iqbal stressed the urgent need for alternative energy sources to address vulnerabilities in critical sectors such as food security, water, healthcare, and agriculture. He also emphasized that Pakistan’s space program has gained significant momentum under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, particularly through the “Uraan Pakistan” initiative, which is advancing space sciences.
Iqbal shared that Pakistan, in cooperation with China, recently launched three satellites and is preparing to send its first astronaut to the Chinese space station by 2026. Additionally, Pakistan’s space agency, SUPARCO, is set to launch a lunar mission by 2035.
The minister pointed out that Pakistan’s pool of highly skilled human resources, at relatively low cost, presents a unique opportunity for enhancing capabilities through further collaboration. He also mentioned the establishment of a Quantum Computing Center to address emerging technological challenges, alongside a national program to align science, technology, and engineering sectors with Pakistan’s development goals.
Chairman Zhongde praised the progress of CPEC and reaffirmed China’s commitment to peaceful nuclear energy use and full cooperation in space research. He emphasized that both countries were united in fostering peaceful technological advancements.
