Distinguished Guests

Dear Colleagues and Students,

Dajia Hao and A very good afternoon to all.

It is an immense honor and pleasure to welcome you all to the Pakistan Embassy College Beijing (PECB) at Embassy of Pakistan on this special occasion. Today, we are privileged to host a distinguished Chinese astronaut, whose presence symbolizes the soaring heights of China-Pakistan friendship and our shared aspirations in the realm of space exploration. This event is not just a lecture; it is a celebration of our iron-clad friendship, a testament to our strategic partnership, and a glimpse into the future of Pakistan-China collaboration in space.

The bond between Pakistan and China is often described as "higher than the Himalayas, deeper than the oceans, and sweeter than honey." For over seven decades, our two nations have stood shoulder-to-shoulder, weathering every challenge and celebrating every triumph together. This friendship is rooted in mutual trust, shared aspirations, and an unshakable commitment to peace and progress.

China’s extraordinary rise as a global leader in technology, infrastructure, and innovation has been a beacon of inspiration for Pakistan. In return, Pakistan has remained China’s most steadfast partner in the region. From the transformative China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to our robust defense ties and shared vision for regional stability, our partnership continues to break new ground.

One of the most thrilling dimensions of our collaboration is space science and technology. China’s remarkable achievements—from lunar exploration to the construction of the Tiangong Space Station—have redefined the boundaries of human ingenuity. Pakistan, too, has been making strides in space technology through our national space agency, SUPARCO, and our cooperation in this field is a natural extension of our strategic partnership.

In recent years, our space collaboration has flourished. The successful launch of Pakistan’s satellites, such as PRSS-1, PakTES-1A in 2018 and PaskSat-MM1 in 2024 with Chinese support, has enhanced our capabilities in remote sensing, communication, and scientific research. These milestones reflect our shared vision of harnessing space technology for sustainable development, climate resilience, and national security. Last year, we also witnessed a historic milestone when Pakistan’s first lunar mission, ICUBE-Q, was launched as part of China’s Chang’e-6 mission. This remarkable achievement was a shining example of our joint commitment to exploring the space together. But our ambitions do not stop there.

Today, I am proud to highlight a defining moment in our space collaboration—the recent signing of an agreement between Pakistan and China on the selection, training, and flight of a Pakistani astronaut to the Chinese Space Station. This landmark initiative is a testament to the trust and technological excellence that China has placed in Pakistan. It marks the dawn of a new era where a Pakistani astronaut will journey into space, carrying the hopes and dreams of our entire nation.

This mission is not just about sending an astronaut to space; it is about inspiring generations of Pakistanis to pursue excellence in science and technology. It is about strengthening our scientific prowess through collaboration with a global leader in space exploration. Most importantly, it is a symbol of what our two nations can achieve when we unite under a common vision.

To the students of the Embassy College here today—this event is especially for you. You are the future scientists, engineers, and astronauts. Meeting a real-life astronaut and hearing firsthand about the challenges and triumphs of space travel is a rare and invaluable opportunity.

China’s space program is a beacon of what can be achieved with dedication, hard work, and visionary thinking. By learning from China’s experiences, you can dream bigger and aim higher. 

I would also like to express our deepest appreciation to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), BOMETEC, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), ACC and the China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) for their unwavering support in making this event a reality. Your dedication to advancing space science and your commitment to fostering international cooperation, especially with Pakistan, is truly commendable. Without your efforts, today’s gathering would not have been possible. We are profoundly grateful for your partnership and look forward to scaling new frontiers together.

In closing, I urge our students to absorb every moment of today’s lecture, ask questions, and let this experience ignite a passion for science and exploration within you. The sky is not the limit—it is just the beginning.

Pakistan and China will continue to reach for the stars together, bound by our unbreakable friendship and shared dreams.

Thank you!

XieXie