2 Pakistani astronauts selected for China space programme

China has shortlisted two Pakistani astronauts for its manned space programme, marking a major step in bilateral cooperation in space exploration.

According to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, the selected candidates are Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud. Both will travel to China for training, where one of them is expected to be chosen for a future mission as a payload specialist.

A statement cited by China Daily said that after completing training and passing all required assessments, one of the two candidates will join a mission crew and take part in a spaceflight. The selected astronaut would become the first foreign national to visit China’s space station.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Information also confirmed the development in a post on X, calling it a “landmark advancement” in the country’s manned space programme. The ministry said the two candidates will undergo advanced training at the Astronaut Centre of China.

Tweet by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting

It added that the collaboration places Pakistan among a limited number of countries involved in human spaceflight efforts. Under the arrangement, Pakistan is preparing for its first-ever mission to the China Space Station, which is expected to take place in late 2026.

During the mission, the Pakistani astronaut will carry out a range of scientific experiments in microgravity, including research in material science, fluid physics, life sciences and biotechnology. Officials say the work could have practical applications in areas such as climate resilience, food security and industrial development.