PAKISTAN - Leap into Space

Two astronaut candidates, Khurram Daud and Muhammad Zeeshan Ali, are set to depart for the People’s Republic of China to begin advanced astronaut training. The training will take place at the Astronaut Center of China.

According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, this is a significant step forward in Pakistan’s space exploration journey, positioning the country among a select group of nations actively engaged in human spaceflight programs.

This milestone […] is expected to contribute to areas such as climate research, food security, and industrial innovation.

Pakistan–China cooperation in space technology has evolved into a long-term, strategic partnership built on concrete milestones and shared capabilities.

Under this framework, Pakistan is preparing to send its first astronaut to the China space station by 2026, alongside joint research in microgravity sciences.

-themedialine.org, 23 April 2026

Commentary: Pakistan’s population stands at about 259 million. Regarding religion, Islam dominates at 96.3%, with only 2.2% Hindu and 1.4% Christian.

Pakistan celebrated its independence from British India on 14 August 1947.

Life expectancy in Pakistan stands at 68 years, compared to 73 years in India. Per capita GDP (PPP) is only $7,300 (India $13,700).

Pakistan and India both have nuclear weapons.

Pakistan has been highlighted in the news as the place where ceasefire negotiations between the US and Iran have been happening. Now the nation is reaching into space.

About space exploration, Google answers: “Space exploration has yielded immense benefits, transforming global technology and enhancing life on Earth. Key gains include critical advancements in satellite communication, GPS navigation, and weather forecasting […] fostering international collaboration and providing essential knowledge about our solar system.” We note the words “international collaboration”; in other words, globalism.

Here we are reminded of the Tower of Babel: “And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth” (Genesis 11:1-4). Simply put, a religiously motivated issue.

Pakistan’s independence date is also of significance: 1947. There are a dozen countries that became independent from colonial rule around this time. For example, Indonesia and Vietnam in 1945; the Philippines, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon in 1946; India and Pakistan in 1947; and in 1948, Burma, Sri Lanka, Israel, and North Korea. And in 1949, the Chinese People’s Republic was formed.

We take note of the words of our Lord in His end-time prophetic speech: “And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand” (Luke 21:29-30). Israel represents the fig tree, but note the words that Jesus adds: “and all the [other] trees.” The nations are arising!

(See Hidden Signs in the Olivet Discourse, Item #1060, $10.95.)