First Pakistani astronauts

The selection of two Pakistani astronauts as candidates for a Chinese manned space mission is a moment of immense national pride and a landmark that will hopefully encourage children to dream of reaching the stars. Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud have been chosen as the first foreign astronauts to train for missions to the Tiangong space station, with one of them set to make history as the first Pakistani to orbit the Earth. The prospect of a Pakistani in space has been met with celebration across the country, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif describing their selection as a proud and historic moment for the country.

The two young men are in China under the terms of a bilateral agreement signed last year. The deal between the China Manned Space Agency and the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission paved the way for collaboration in astronaut training and participation in future space missions. Reports say the shortlisted duo was selected from among several candidates with sterling resumes. The rest of the ship's crew is expected to be Chinese. The rigorous selection process moved through preliminary screening, secondary evaluation and final selection before the two candidates were announced.

Beyond the diplomatic triumph and the strengthening of ties with our most reliable ally is also an important achievement. A few years into the future, the sight of Pakistani flags on the astronauts' gear will undoubtedly be the moment that hundreds of Pakistani children identify as when their dreams of going to space were born. It may also help curb brain drain to some extent, as brilliant young minds will see that, even in Pakistan, dreams of space travel and research are within reach.

The government should also consider increasing its own investment in science education, scholarships and research infrastructure. Chinese support is always welcome, but the best-case scenario remains that our astronauts learn from the Chinese and help develop local training initiatives.