I AM concerned about the lack of awareness and familiarity with space science and technology in Pakistan. Many people believe that our space programme is not as competitive as others. People think that the only fields that offer a successful career are medicine or engineering, and that is because of the lack of awareness about various academic and professional programmes in the country.

Students who are interested in astronomy and various space-related subjects often opt for other majors because they either cannot find a university with such a degree programme, or they have been convinced by others that there is no scope of space science in Pakistan.

To change this mindset and to strengthen the national space programme, we must generate awareness about the subject and the endless possibilities that lie ahead over the next 5-10 years both in terms of professional career and technological advancement.

Maliha Rashid
Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2023