Pakistan’s space agency said on Saturday it successfully launched its indigenous Electro-Optical Satellite (EO-3) from China’s Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, marking a new milestone in its space programme.

The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) said the satellite is equipped with advanced imaging capabilities and is expected to support urban planning, disaster management, food security, and environmental monitoring.

Officials said the launch represents a step toward strengthening Pakistan’s Earth observation capacity and advancing applications in socio-economic development, including climate and resource management.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised SUPARCO engineers and scientists for what he described as a “significant achievement”, and acknowledged China’s continued support in Pakistan’s space cooperation, calling Beijing a reliable partner in the programme.