ISLAMABAD — November 3, 2025:
Pakistan has officially announced the development of its first ever Lunar Exploration Rover (PLExR) a landmark project under the URAAN Pakistan initiative. The announcement was made by Federal Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal, through a post on X (formerly Twitter).
According to the minister, the Rs. 2.5 billion project, approved by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) in May 2025, signifies a new era of technological ambition, innovation, and national pride.
“Under URAAN Pakistan, the Government is developing the Pakistan Lunar Exploration Rover (PLExR); a Rs. 2.5 billion PSDP project approved by CDWP in May 2025. This milestone marks Pakistan’s participation in the Chang’e-8 Lunar Mission, symbolizing innovation, ambition, and technological pride,” Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning & Development.
Pakistan’s Leap Toward Lunar Exploration
The Pakistan Lunar Exploration Rover (PLExR) project represents the nation’s first formal step toward lunar exploration. It aims to develop indigenous capabilities in robotics, AI, materials science, and space engineering, preparing the country for future participation in international space missions.
The rover will be developed under the broader URAAN Pakistan vision, a national framework designed to accelerate research and innovation in aerospace, digital technologies, and advanced engineering.
Project Details and Funding
As per official information displayed in the Ministry of Planning’s poster:
- Project Cost: Rs. 2.5 Billion
- Approval: By CDWP in May 2025
- Financing: Through Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP)
- Supervision: Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives
- Vision: URAAN Pakistan
The project’s implementation aligns with Pakistan’s long-term roadmap for scientific advancement and technology driven growth.
Joining the Chang’e-8 Mission
Ahsan Iqbal confirmed that Pakistan will participate in the Chang’e-8 Lunar Mission a part of China’s expanding lunar exploration program.
This collaboration provides Pakistan with a strategic opportunity to contribute scientific research instruments, data sharing frameworks, and technology modules to the mission.
Experts believe that such participation will enhance Pakistan’s access to deep-space technology, satellite design expertise, and international scientific cooperation.
Strengthening National Innovation Ecosystem
The URAAN Pakistan initiative is a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to transform Pakistan into a high-tech innovation hub. It connects universities, research institutions, and private sector startups in projects spanning AI, robotics, and aerospace engineering.
The PLExR project is expected to:
- Foster STEM education and national R&D capacity.
- Encourage public private collaboration in advanced sciences.
- Inspire youth participation in space and robotics sectors.
A Step Toward Global Scientific Recognition
Officials from the Ministry of Planning stated that this initiative will not only elevate Pakistan’s role in the global space community but also help build a foundation for indigenous space missions in the future.
“This marks Pakistan’s first step toward lunar exploration, advancing capabilities in AI, robotics, materials science, and space technology strengthening Pakistan’s global standing in scientific research and innovation,” Ministry of Planning statement.
Vision: URAAN Pakistan
Launched under the Vision URAAN framework, the project embodies Pakistan’s ambition to:
- Lead regional efforts in space and satellite innovation.
- Promote interdisciplinary research between defense, academia, and technology institutions.
- Support a long-term national space strategy under civilian supervision.
The URAAN Pakistan program aims to make the country self-reliant in emerging technologies, preparing for future missions in earth observation, lunar research, and beyond.
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