Pakistan's biggest space event begins at IST

The Institute of Space Technology (IST) has inaugurated World Space Week (WSW) 2025, marking Pakistan's largest annual celebration of space science, technology, and innovation.

Organized by the National Centre of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA) under the patronage of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and in collaboration with the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), the event aligns with this year's global theme, "Living in Space." The theme underscores humanity's next frontier - not just to explore the cosmos, but to sustain life beyond Earth.

The opening ceremony was graced by Prof Dr Syed Wilayat Husain and Prof Dr Ihtzaz Qamar, both former senior scientists of Dr AQ Khan Research Laboratories, who jointly inaugurated the week and lauded IST's longstanding role in advancing space education in Pakistan.

For nearly two decades, IST has served as the national focal point for World Space Week celebrations, transforming its campus each October into a hub of exploration and creativity. The event has become the country's largest and oldest platform for public engagement in space science, attracting thousands of students, educators, and visitors from across Pakistan.

Dr Najam Abbas Naqvi, Chairman NCGSA, said, "World Space Week at IST stands as a living example of Pakistan's scientific spirit. Each year, it turns knowledge into experience, inspiring young minds to explore new horizons. The theme 'Living in Space' challenges us to imagine life beyond Earth and to apply space technologies to sustain life on our own planet."

The celebrations feature over 50 interactive competitions and modules, engaging more than 2,000 participants from over 50 schools and colleges nationwide. Activities include model satellite building, robotics and coding challenges, space art, creative writing, and debates - all designed to link imagination with practical innovation.