ISLAMABAD:
The upcoming budget is likely to see allocation of billions of rupees for Pakistan’s strides in space exploration, including the country’s pride project of sending its first man into space, and a Multi-Mission Communication Satellite System.
The federal government has proposed the allocation of Rs24 billion to the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) in the development budget for the next fiscal year 2025–26. The allocation includes Rs600 million for the manned space mission in the next fiscal year.
According to officials, over Rs18 billion would be spent on the Multi-Mission Communication Satellite System; Rs400 million for a new Pakistan Lunar Exploration project; Rs1.8 billion for the Deep Space Astronomical project; and Rs1.7 billion for the Pakistan Optical Remote Sensing Satellite project.
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Other allocations, according to the officials: more than Rs500 million would be allocated for the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC); over Rs50 billion for the Cabinet Division; and Rs50 billion for schemes of members of parliament.
The government plans to spend Rs134.2 million for infrastructure development in the federal capital, Rs100 million for the restoration and upgradation of the National Archives, and Rs650 million for the construction of the Hajj Complex in Lahore.
