ISLAMABAD
\nMinister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Friday expressed strong conviction of the government to enhance the country\u2019s satellite technology, aligning it with international standards.
\nAddressing the national space symposium \u201cSitaroun Se Agay Jahan Aur Bhi Hain\u201d (Beyond the Stars, There are More Worlds), he announced the government\u2019s plan to launch 15 space shuttles over the next five years as part of its broader efforts to boost Pakistan\u2019s capabilities in space research.
\nThe event, held in collaboration with SUPARCO, Pakistan\u2019s National Space Agency, and the Institute of Space Technology (IST), Islamabad, was themed \u201cHarnessing Space Sciences and Technology for Socio-Economic Transformation in Pakistan.\u201d It brought together leading experts, policymakers, and academics to explore the transformative potential of space technology for Pakistan\u2019s development.
\nThe minister stressed the need for increased collaborative research with international space agencies and the establishment of a platform for university students and young scientists to explore space and showcase their capabilities. Ahsan Iqbal also proposed launching the Annual Space Innovation Challenge program, in collaboration with the Ministry of Planning, the URAAN PAKISTAN initiative, and SUPARCO, for university students across the country.
\nThis initiative would allow them to showcase their projects and research in space technology. He advocated for developing a pool of at least 50,000 youth experts over the next five years to capture both local and international markets in space, satellite, science and technology. \u201cToday, space technology is being utilized commercially across various sectors, and for Pakistan to achieve economic growth, we must embrace technological innovation,\u201d he remarked.
\nThe minister also mentioned the government\u2019s intention to introduce space and satellite education at the school level to inspire students\u2019 interest in astronomy and broaden their horizons. He called for a revival of the past glory of Muslim scientists whose groundbreaking research on the nature of light, models of planetary motion and technology in astronomy predated Western scientific advancements.
\nAhsan Iqbal highlighted the importance of leveraging space sciences for socio-economic transformation and commended SUPARCO\u2019s contributions, reiterating the government\u2019s commitment to integrating space technologies into national strategies to achieve the \u201cDigital Pakistan\u201d goals.
\nThe minister emphasized the importance of knowledge, science and technology in ensuring sustainable development across the country, underscoring that research and innovation are critical to driving national progress. He mentioned Pakistan\u2019s significant achievements in space exploration and reiterated the government\u2019s commitment to fostering scientific advancements through the URAAN PAKISTAN program, which aims to ensure equitable development nationwide.
\n\u201cTo achieve sustainable development, collective efforts are essential,\u201d Ahsan Iqbal said, adding that modern research is the easiest pathway to growth. \u201cWe must make national progress our foremost priority.\u201d
\nHe stressed the need to accelerate development through contributions from every sector and called for the modernization of libraries and laboratories with cutting-edge technologies.
\nDiscussing the Vision 2025 framework, Ahsan Iqbal expressed confidence that Pakistan would emerge as one of the world\u2019s top ten developed economies. With 60 percent of the population comprising youth, he emphasized the need to align the nation\u2019s policies with global trends and technological advancements.
\nMohammad Yousuf Khan, Chairman of SUPARCO; Major General Amer Nadeem (Retd), Ex-Chairman of SUPARCO; Ambassador Tahir Andarabi, Director General of ACDIS at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan; Dr. Raashid Wali Janjua, Director of IPRI; and Dr. Messam Abbas, CEO of NaqCode Technologies, were also present at the occasion.
\nSUPARCO Chairman Yousuf Khan reaffirmed the organization\u2019s vision to position Pakistan as a leading spacefaring nation, despite challenges such as fiscal constraints and technological limitations. \u2014DNA<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Friday expressed strong conviction of the government to enhance the country\u2019s satellite technology, aligning it with international standards. Addressing the national space symposium \u201cSitaroun Se Agay Jahan Aur Bhi Hain\u201d (Beyond the Stars, There are More Worlds), he announced the government\u2019s plan to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":457477,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-457462","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-business"},"yoast_head":"\n