SUPARCO Inaugurates First Space Applications and Research Centre in Gilgit-Baltistan
— October 2, 2024
ISLAMABAD (AIA) In a significant milestone, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) inaugurated the Space Applications and Research Centre (SPARC-GB) in Gilgit-Baltistan during a ceremony held on Wednesday. The Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, Gulbar Khan, was the chief guest, celebrating the establishment of Pakistan’s first space research hub in the northern region. The launch of SPARC-GB marks a pivotal step towards addressing environmental and socio-economic challenges in the region.
The centre will focus on critical issues such as climate change, glacier melt, and water resource management, positioning itself as a key player in natural disaster monitoring and biodiversity protection in Gilgit-Baltistan, according to a press release from SUPARCO.
Chairman SUPARCO, Muhammad Yousuf Khan, welcomed participants at the ceremony, highlighting the centre’s role as a hub for cutting-edge research and innovation. He emphasised that SPARC-GB will support the local community through employment, capacity building, and development initiatives.
Khan further stressed the region’s vulnerability to climate change and the importance of urgent action to enhance local capacity. He noted that the operationalisation of SPARC-GB would strengthen satellite-based monitoring capabilities to better tackle environmental challenges.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Gulbar Khan acknowledged the importance of the centre in addressing the region’s pressing challenges. He pointed to issues such as glacier melt, which threatens both water resources and local communities, and highlighted the region’s susceptibility to natural disasters like landslides, floods, and earthquakes. The chief minister urged officials to integrate space technology and work closely with SUPARCO for the region’s development.
The event was attended by researchers, scientists, environmentalists, and students, all of whom highlighted SPARC-GB’s mission to drive innovation and deliver cutting-edge solutions to the region’s environmental challenges. Equipped with advanced space-based technology, the centre will provide critical data on glacier monitoring, landslide risks, and unpredictable weather patterns, contributing to the resilience and safety of local communities.
In collaboration with the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan and international research organisations, SPARC-GB will offer technological assistance to tackle local challenges, including disaster management, ecological conservation, and socio-economic development.
As part of SUPARCO’s Space Education and Awareness Drive, SPARC-GB aims to inspire young minds by offering dynamic programmes and research opportunities. The centre is set to become a beacon of scientific excellence, contributing to both local and global advancements in space technology.