Landmark Shenzhou-24 mission to mark first-ever joint flight involving Chinese and foreign astronauts; historic development coincides with 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations
By Abida Khan Editor-in-Chief
ISLAMABAD, Wednesday, November 11, 2026 (WNP): Pakistan is set to achieve a historic milestone in space exploration as a Pakistani astronaut prepares to become the first foreign national to enter China’s Tiangong space station, marking an unprecedented chapter in the longstanding friendship and strategic cooperation between Pakistan and China.
The landmark development was confirmed by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, who said that the participation of a Pakistani astronaut aboard China’s spacecraft would mark the first-ever joint mission involving Chinese and foreign astronauts in the history of China’s manned space programme.
According to the spokesperson, the Pakistani astronaut will join the crew of China’s Shenzhou-24 mission as a payload specialist, undertake a short-duration orbital flight and subsequently return to Earth aboard the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft.
The historic mission will also mark the first time a foreign astronaut steps inside China’s space station, opening a new chapter in international space cooperation.
The announcement comes as Pakistan and China celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, adding a remarkable new dimension to their enduring partnership.
Describing the initiative as another important outcome of bilateral cooperation, Guo Jiakun reaffirmed China’s commitment to carrying forward traditional friendship with Pakistan and further deepening collaboration in space exploration and other fields.
He emphasised that the exploration of the vast universe and the peaceful use of outer space represent a shared aspiration of humanity, with the potential to benefit peoples across the world.
The landmark cooperation reflects the expanding scope of Pakistan-China relations, which have evolved beyond traditional diplomatic, economic and infrastructure partnerships to embrace advanced science, technology, research and space exploration.
For Pakistan, the mission represents an extraordinary opportunity to advance its space ambitions, strengthen scientific capabilities and inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers and aspiring astronauts.
It also opens promising avenues for knowledge-sharing, technological collaboration and future joint research in space science.
From mountains to the stars, Pakistan and China are taking their friendship to new heights.
As the two countries celebrate seven and a half decades of diplomatic relations, this historic mission carries a powerful message: the bonds of friendship between Pakistan and China are not confined to the boundaries of Earth — they are reaching towards the stars.
