The National Space Symposium, Sitaro se Agay Jahan Aur Bhi Hain, was successfully held today at the IST Auditorium, Institute of Space Technology (IST), Islamabad. Organized by SUPARCO, Pakistan’s National Space Agency, in collaboration with the Institute of Space Technology (IST)

Dated : 24 January 2025

Islamabad, 24 January 2025: The National Space Symposium, Sitaro se Agay Jahan Aur Bhi Hain, was successfully held today at the IST Auditorium, Institute of Space Technology (IST), Islamabad. Organized by SUPARCO, Pakistan’s National Space Agency, in collaboration with the Institute of Space Technology (IST), the symposium, themed "Harnessing Space Sciences and Technology for Socio-Economic Transformation in Pakistan," brought together leading experts, policymakers, and academics to explore the transformative potential of space technology for Pakistan's development.

The event was graced by Professor Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhry, Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, as the Chief Guest. Prominent dignitaries who participated in the event included Mohammad Yousuf Khan, Chairman SUPARCO; Major General Amer Nadeem (Retd), Ex-Chairman SUPARCO; Ambassador Tahir Andarabi, Director General ACDIS Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan; Dr. Raashid Wali Janjua Director IPRI; and Dr. Messam Abbas, CEO NaqCode Technologies.

The symposium highlighted the essential role of space technologies in harnessing space science for the socio-economic development of the country. These technologies are crucial in addressing various national challenges such as food security, climate change, disaster management, and urban planning. Satellite data and applications are being utilized to enhance agricultural productivity, improve resource management, monitor environmental changes, and facilitate better governance. The discussions also touched on Pakistan’s aspirations, including its lunar exploration plans, the development of satellite constellations, and future astronaut program, all of which will contribute to national resilience and global competitiveness.

Federal Minister for planning Ahsan Iqbal, in his keynote address, emphasized the importance of leveraging space sciences for socio-economic transformation. He lauded SUPARCO’s contributions and reiterated the government’s commitment to integrating space technologies into national strategies for achieving "Digital Pakistan" goals. Mohammad Yousuf Khan, Chairman SUPARCO, reaffirmed the organization's vision to position Pakistan as a leading spacefaring nation, despite challenges such as fiscal constraints and technological limitations.

Ahsan Iqbal also emphasized the importance of knowledge, science, and technology in ensuring sustainable development across the country. Addressing a distinguished gathering at the Space Symposium, he underscored the critical role of research and innovation in driving national progress.

The Minister highlighted Pakistan's significant achievements in space exploration and reiterated the government's commitment to fostering scientific advancements through the "Uraan Pakistan" program, which aims to ensure equitable development nationwide.

"To achieve sustainable development, collective efforts are essential," said Ahsan Iqbal. "Modern research is the easiest pathway to growth, and for that, we must make national progress our foremost priority."

He stressed the need to accelerate development through contributions from every sector and called for the modernization of libraries and laboratories with cutting-edge technologies. He also highlighted the necessity of digitalization to achieve excellence in science and technology.
The Minister applauded the Pakistani youth for utilizing modern technology and encouraged them to work on innovative concepts. "Our young generation must engage with new ideas and trends to unlock their potential," he stated.

During his adress the Minister also emphasized the that the government's transformative "Uraan Pakistan" initiative reflects a comprehensive vision for sustainable national development. He added that space technology has a vital role in addressing challenges such as climate change, resource monitoring, and disaster management.

"Today, space technology is being utilized commercially across various sectors, and for Pakistan to achieve economic growth, we must embrace technological innovation," he remarked.

The Minister reaffirmed the government's focus on research and technology, pointing out that revolutionary initiatives like "Uraan Pakistan" will open new avenues for economic prosperity. "The economy of the future will rely heavily on technology," he noted, urging the continuation of consistent policies to ensure long-term progress.

Discussing the Vision 2025 framework, Ahsan Iqbal expressed confidence that Pakistan would emerge as one of the world's top ten developed economies. With 60% of the population comprising youth, he emphasized the need to align the nation's policies with global trends and technological advancements.

The Space Symposium concluded with a collective resolve to make space technology an integral part of Pakistan’s development strategy, ensuring its effective utilization for economic growth and national stability.

The event also marked the inauguration of the National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA), a flagship initiative by IST in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC). This center aims to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and practical applications, driving Pakistan’s transformation into a knowledge-driven economy. The National Space Symposium 2025 served as a platform for fostering dialogue on the immense potential of space sciences in addressing Pakistan’s development challenges. With unity, determination, and a forward-looking vision, the nation is poised to play a leading role in the global space arena.