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iCAST 2025 Opens in Islamabad, Marking a Milestone in Pakistan's Space Agenda

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  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, November 18th 2025 at 6:59 GMT by The News International

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iCAST 2025 Opens in Islamabad – A Milestone in Pakistan’s Growing Space Agenda

On March 14, 2025 the capital city of Islamabad welcomed the International Conference on Astrophysics and Space Technology (iCAST 2025), a landmark event that brought together scientists, engineers, policymakers and industry leaders from around the world. The conference, organized by the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) in partnership with the National Institute of Physics (NIP) and the Ministry of Science and Technology, aimed to showcase Pakistan’s rapid strides in space science, satellite technology, and the broader “space economy.”

A Purpose‑Driven Program

The agenda, released on the SUPARCO website, highlighted three overarching themes:

1. Satellite Development and Operations – Emphasis on Pakistan’s latest payloads, launch readiness, and international collaboration.
2. Space Science and Research – From astrophysical observations to climate monitoring, reflecting the country’s growing research capacity.
3. Policy, Governance, and Private Sector Engagement – Discussions on national space policy, regulatory frameworks, and opportunities for start‑ups.

These themes were reflected in more than 120 sessions, including keynote addresses, panel discussions, technical workshops, and a “Space Tech Expo” featuring prototype hardware from Pakistani universities and nascent companies such as PakSpace and SpaceTech Solutions.

Highlights and Key Speakers

The opening ceremony was graced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Minister of Science and Technology Arif Alvi, who underscored the strategic importance of space for national development. In his remarks, the Prime Minister spoke of the “space corridor” that would connect Islamabad, Karachi, and Islamabad‑Peshawar through a constellation of Earth‑observation satellites.

A major highlight was the keynote address by Dr. Fatima Rafiq, Chief Scientist of SUPARCO, who presented the agency’s progress on the Al‑Biruni‑3 Earth‑observation satellite slated for launch next year, and the Ghazal small satellite project, which focuses on high‑resolution imaging for disaster management. She emphasized the role of international partnerships, notably with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Russian Roscosmos, in providing launch vehicles and technology transfer.

The conference also featured a panel moderated by Prof. M. Zahoor, Chair of the Astronomy Department at Quaid‑e‑Azam University, who discussed “Space‑Based Climate Monitoring: Opportunities for Pakistan.” The panelists included Dr. Ayesha Khan of the Pakistan Meteorological Department and Dr. Omar Khalid of the National Institute of Chemical Technology, highlighting how satellite data can improve weather forecasting and drought prediction.

In the “Private Sector Spotlight” segment, Mr. Hassan Javed, CEO of PakSpace Solutions, presented the company’s Star‑Link network—an ambitious project to deploy 50 CubeSats for broadband connectivity in remote regions. He also outlined plans to collaborate with Chinese tech firms to develop propulsion systems tailored for small satellites.

International Collaboration and Exchange

iCAST 2025 also served as a platform for Pakistan to reinforce its ties with global space agencies. The conference hosted a dedicated “International Partnerships” session where representatives from NASA, ESA, Roscosmos, ISRO, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) discussed joint missions, data sharing agreements, and capacity‑building programs. A noteworthy outcome was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SUPARCO and ESA to co‑develop a next‑generation solar‑powered satellite bus.

Additionally, the conference attracted a sizable delegation from India’s Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), underscoring a cautious yet constructive dialogue amid geopolitical tensions. ISRO’s senior scientist, Dr. Shankar R., gave a talk on “Low‑Earth Orbit (LEO) Constellations for Communication,” which sparked a spirited debate on spectrum management and orbital debris mitigation.

Technical Workshops and Youth Engagement

Beyond high‑level talks, iCAST 2025 featured hands‑on workshops for students and young researchers. The “CubeSat Design Lab,” hosted by SUPARCO and the University of Karachi, offered participants a chance to build and launch their own CubeSats during the conference. The event’s final day concluded with a “Student Paper Competition” where the best research proposals were awarded scholarships and mentorship from industry leaders.

Policy Implications and Future Roadmap

The conference’s closing session, titled “The Pakistan Space Agenda 2030,” was moderated by Dr. Aftab Iqbal, the Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology. He presented the ministry’s updated space policy, which now includes provisions for commercial satellite licensing, a national space‑data marketplace, and an incentive structure for private‑sector R&D. The policy also highlighted a commitment to open‑access data for disaster risk reduction and climate science, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

What’s Next for Pakistan’s Space Endeavors?

iCAST 2025 is not just a one‑time celebration; it is a stepping stone toward a more ambitious future. The conference’s outcomes will feed into several key initiatives:

• Launch of Al‑Biruni‑3 – The satellite, scheduled for a 2026 launch on a Falcon 9 vehicle, will provide high‑resolution imagery for agriculture, urban planning, and resource mapping.
• Expansion of the “Space Tech Expo” – The following year, the event will be expanded to include an international student satellite challenge, inviting participants from 30 countries.
• Strengthened International Collaborations – The MoUs signed during the conference will pave the way for joint missions in LEO and GEO, especially in the domains of Earth observation and communication.
• Private‑Sector Incubation – The Ministry’s new Space Startup Incubator, announced during the event, will provide seed funding, workspace, and regulatory guidance to budding space start‑ups.

Conclusion

iCAST 2025 proved that Pakistan’s space ambitions are no longer a distant dream. With a robust mix of scientific innovation, policy development, and industry engagement, the country is positioning itself as a regional leader in space technology. As the conference’s delegates departed Islamabad, the message was clear: the nation is ready to take the next giant leap, one satellite at a time.