Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal met officials from NASA and executives of leading US aerospace companies in Houston to discuss cooperation aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s space programme, expanding scientific research and space education, and creating global opportunities for young Pakistani scientists and engineers.
According to an official report today, Iqbal said Pakistan intends to deepen collaboration with NASA and American institutions by drawing on their expertise, research programmes and technical training to enhance the country’s capabilities in space science and technology. He added that the interest shown by NASA and U.S. aerospace firms in working with Pakistan could pave the way for a new phase of scientific and technological cooperation.
The minister invited American aerospace companies to establish development centres in Pakistan, saying the country offers a large pool of talented young engineers, scientists and information technology professionals. He said Pakistan’s youth possess the potential to make meaningful contributions to the global space industry if provided with advanced training, mentoring and international exposure.
Iqbal said the government is implementing a national space education initiative designed to encourage scientific curiosity, innovation and research among young people. As part of that vision, he said a proposed Space Exploration Centre in Narowal would introduce students to astronomy, space science and scientific discovery while inspiring future scientists, researchers and innovators.
He said the planned Space Learning Centre would serve as more than an educational institution, describing it as a national initiative to strengthen research, knowledge and innovation. Investing in space science education, he added, is an investment in Pakistan’s future scientific and technological development.
Outlining the country’s long-term ambitions, Iqbal said Pakistan aims to launch a national mission to the Moon by 2035 and establish a sustained lunar presence by 2047. He said those objectives form part of a broader strategy to build a knowledge-based economy driven by research, innovation and technological advancement, supported by international partnerships and a skilled young workforce.
The minister said closer cooperation with NASA and the U.S. aerospace sector could help usher in a new era of scientific research, space education and technological progress in Pakistan. He added that Pakistan-U.S. relations should increasingly focus on education, climate cooperation, innovation, scientific research and space technology, arguing that the partnership should expand beyond geopolitics toward geo-economics and science-based collaboration.
Iqbal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equipping young Pakistanis with modern education, research opportunities and advanced technological skills. He said these efforts would help position Pakistan as a regional hub for scientific excellence, space research and innovation-led economic growth.