ISLAMABAD: Suparco Chairman Maj Gen Amer Nadeem said Pakistan would send its first astronaut to space in 2022 and asked space enthusiasts to pursue their career in space science and technology.

He was speaking at the opening ceremony of a two-day World Space Week being observed at the Institute of Space Technology (IST) at the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) here on Friday.

The week is held to generate space awareness among students belonging to schools and colleges in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

The Suparco chief stressed the importance of research and innovation in the fields of science and technology.

“I call upon students to understand the broader perspective of education because educating oneself just to obtain a degree is the narrow version leading to limited progress,” he said, adding: “If you aspire to be leaders in your field you need to develop the broader perspective of educating yourself which includes many dimensions and it leads to enlightenment of a higher order.”

He said education was a lifelong process allowing one to explore various horizons. It broadens the vision and enables you to march on a never ending journey towards new frontiers of knowledge.

The theme for this year’s week is ‘The Moon: Gateway to the Stars’. The World Space Week is celebrated in accordance with United Nations General Assembly’s declaration of 1999. The Third United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space suggested the celebration of the space week.

IST Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Syed Wilayat Husain said Pakistan was endeavouring to enter into the realm of space science and technology and related applications.

He said the success of any space programme relied on public understanding and support from the relevant authorities.

“It is, therefore, important to communicate the benefits of space technology to the public on a regular basis,” he added.

Dr Wilayat said the IST was also striving to create awareness about space technology among the youth and educating students about its benefits.

Programme Director World Space Week Dr Najam Abbas introduced various space-themed competitions and activities designed and developed for the space week.

More than 3,000 participants belonging to around 80 schools and colleges registered for 90 space themed events and activities during the week.

Published in Dawn, October 5th, 2019