ISLAMABAD, Aug 5 — In a strategic move to deepen bilateral cooperation, Pakistan and China on Monday held high-level talks to align joint efforts in nuclear energy and space research with broader national development objectives.
The development came during a meeting between Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, and Chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority and China’s Space Agency, Shan Zhongde.
“The meeting focused on aligning cooperation in nuclear energy and space research with broader national development goals,” a joint statement noted.
Highlighting the longstanding partnership between the two countries, Iqbal acknowledged the vital role of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in addressing Pakistan’s infrastructure and energy challenges. He lauded the progress made through collaboration in the nuclear energy sector, citing the K-2, K-3, and C-5 nuclear power plants as “shining examples of this strategic cooperation.”
Turning attention to the global climate crisis, the minister emphasized the urgent need for alternative energy sources to build resilience across critical sectors.
“Climate change has compelled the world to explore alternative energy avenues to address vulnerabilities in food security, water, healthcare, agriculture, mineral resources and other key sectors of the economy,” Iqbal said.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s renewed focus on space exploration, pointing to recent advancements under the “Uraan Pakistan” initiative.
“Under the leadership and vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan’s space programme has gained new momentum,” he said.
The minister noted that Pakistan, with China’s assistance, recently launched three satellites and is now preparing to send its first astronaut to the Chinese space station in 2026. He also revealed that the national space agency, SUPARCO, has been tasked with launching a lunar mission by 2035.
Iqbal further emphasized Pakistan’s potential as a technology partner, citing its highly skilled and cost-effective human resource base.
“Pakistan possessed a pool of highly skilled human resources at a relatively low cost, which China could benefit from by enhancing their capabilities through collaboration,” he said.
To keep pace with rapid technological advancements, Iqbal shared that Pakistan has established a national Quantum Computing Center and is strengthening its science and technology sectors through strategic programs.
He called for increased research collaboration between the China Atomic Energy Commission (CAEC), SUPARCO, and the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission for the “peaceful use of technology.”
In addition, Iqbal stressed the importance of fostering talent through educational exchange:
“The government has initiated a national programme to align science, technology, and engineering sectors with Pakistan’s development goals,” he said, urging for expanded opportunities for young Pakistani scientists in Chinese space technology programs.
Chairman Shan Zhongde commended Iqbal’s contributions to the success of CPEC and reaffirmed China’s strong commitment to Pakistan’s technological and scientific advancement.
“Pakistan and China enjoyed strong geo-strategic relations which have now evolved into deep-rooted economic cooperation,” he said, adding that “China was ready to extend full cooperation to Pakistan in the field of space research,” and that both nations remained committed to the “peaceful use of nuclear energy.”
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