China picks two Pakistani astronauts for space program
One candidate expected to join future mission, potentially becoming first foreign astronaut on Chinese space station
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (MNTV) — China has selected two Pakistani astronauts as candidates for its human spaceflight program, marking a new phase of cooperation between the two countries, according to Chinese and Pakistani officials.
State broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) reported Wednesday that both candidates will travel to China for training, with one expected to later participate in a space mission as a payload specialist.
That astronaut would become the first foreign national to enter China’s space station, the report said.
State-run China Daily identified the candidates as Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud, saying both had passed multiple stages of the selection process.
The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) described the selection and upcoming training as a landmark development for China’s space program.
In Islamabad, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) said the two candidates are preparing to depart for China to begin advanced astronaut training, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Officials said the candidates have already completed initial screening phases and will now undergo further preparation under China’s human spaceflight program.
One of the two is expected to take part in a future mission as a payload specialist, though no timeline has been announced.
The development underscores growing cooperation between Pakistan and China in the space sector, with both sides highlighting the selection as a significant milestone.
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