China has selected two Pakistani astronauts as candidates for its manned space programme, marking a major milestone in bilateral cooperation, according to reports by state media and China Daily.

State broadcaster CCTV said both candidates will travel to China for advanced training, with one expected to participate in a future spaceflight as a payload specialist.

According to China Daily, the China Manned Space Agency confirmed that Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud have cleared multiple rounds of selection and have departed for China to begin training.

Under the programme, one of the two will be selected for a mission to China’s Tiangong space station as a payload specialist. If selected, the astronaut would become the first foreign national to visit the Chinese space station and the first Pakistani to reach Earth’s orbit.

Pakistan is preparing to participate in a Shenzhou mission, expected in late 2026, where the selected astronaut will conduct scientific experiments in microgravity.

According to officials, the experiments will cover key fields including material science, fluid physics, life sciences, and biotechnology.

The development marks significant progress in the human spaceflight programme of Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission, placing the country among a limited group of nations actively engaged in human space missions.

The Chinese agency described the initiative as a landmark in international cooperation and a reflection of the deepening China-Pakistan strategic partnership, extending into the space sector.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the progress, praising SUPARCO’s advances in deep space research and highlighting the enduring ties between Pakistan and China.

He said Pakistan’s inclusion in a human spaceflight mission reflects the close relationship between the two countries and opens new avenues for scientific collaboration.

China reiterated that its space programme remains open to international cooperation, including scientific research and astronaut training aboard Tiangong.

The selection follows an agreement signed in Islamabad in February 2025 between the China Manned Space Agency and SUPARCO to enhance cooperation in astronaut selection, training, and space exploration.