China selects two Pakistani astronauts for space programme; Shehbaz Sharif hails ties with Beijing
Mint·3h ago·Positivity
What Happened
China announced selection of two Pakistani astronauts, Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud, for its manned space programme. One will serve as payload specialist on Tiangong space station mission, becoming first foreign astronaut aboard. Selection follows February 2025 China-Pakistan cooperation agreement. Training begins in Beijing.
Key Entities
ChinaPakistanMuhammad Zeeshan AliKhurram DaudTiangong space stationChina Manned Space Agency (CMSA)Beijing