Pakistan Aims for Moon Landing by 2035, Permanent Lunar Presence by 2047, Says Ahsan Iqbal
WASHINGTON: Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal has announced that Pakistan aims to achieve a Moon landing by 2035 and establish a Pakistani presence on the Moon by 2047, as part of the country’s long-term vision to become a space-capable nation.
During his visit to the United States, Ahsan Iqbal held meetings with officials from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and representatives of the U.S. aerospace industry. He said Pakistan is pursuing a future driven by knowledge, scientific research, innovation, and human capital, while strengthening partnerships with leading international institutions.
The minister revealed that the government plans to establish a Pakistan Space Learning Centre and Museum in Narowal. The proposed facility will provide students and young people with interactive learning opportunities about galaxies, black holes, the Big Bang, the solar system, and human space exploration.
Ahsan Iqbal said NASA officials and U.S. aerospace companies have expressed strong interest in supporting the development of the proposed center and expanding institutional cooperation with Pakistan’s space program.
He stated that achieving Pakistan’s vision of a Moon landing by 2035 and a sustained lunar presence by 2047 will require close collaboration with NASA in areas such as knowledge transfer, scientific research, mission planning, technical training, and institutional capacity building.
The planning minister also invited American institutions to benefit from Pakistan’s young and skilled workforce, particularly its engineers, scientists, and information technology professionals.
He emphasized that Pakistan-U.S. relations should move beyond traditional geopolitical considerations and expand into areas such as education, healthcare, climate change, innovation, and space research.
Highlighting Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change despite its relatively small contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, Ahsan Iqbal stressed the importance of scientific cooperation in addressing environmental challenges.
He added that the proposed Pakistan Space Learning Centre would symbolize a modern partnership between Pakistan and the United States, promote innovation, and inspire the next generation, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to equipping young people with future-ready skills and strengthening international technology partnerships.
