Pakistan Govt prepares to strengthen space program with higher 2025/26 budget

Pakistan’s official budget documents for FY2025–26 propose increasing space spending to Rs24.15 billion for major projects. The government will confirm these figures when it presents the federal budget on June 10.

The government has allocated Rs24.15 billion for the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) in the proposed FY2025–26 budget, marking a significant boost to Pakistan’s space ambitions. Of this amount, Rs18 billion will fund the Pakistan Multi-Mission Communication Satellite System, reflecting a strategic focus on advancing satellite technology.

The government plans to increase space spending while cutting the development budget for the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication by over 43%, reducing it from Rs23.92 billion to Rs13.52 billion.

Major Projects Likely to Be Funded in Budget 2025–26:

Suparco has proposed several groundbreaking initiatives for funding under the new budget allocations.

• Rs600 million for Pakistan’s first manned space mission
• Rs400 million for a lunar exploration project
• 8 billion for the Deep Space Astronomical Project
• 7 billion for the Pakistan Optical Remote Sensing Satellite Project

These planned investments highlight the country’s increasing focus on space exploration and satellite systems, even as it reduces funding for domestic digital transformation.

IT Budget Shrinks in Comparison:

The government plans to allocate Rs13.52 billion to the Ministry of IT and Telecom, with Rs3.64 billion coming from local sources and Rs9.88 billion from foreign assistance. This sharp cut contrasts with earlier government promises to make the tech sector a key driver of economic growth.

Industry experts warn that these budget cuts could hinder innovation, reduce job creation, and widen Pakistan’s global digital divide.

Although the proposed figures reveal the government’s upcoming priorities, the final budget allocations will only be confirmed when the government presents the federal budget on June 10.

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