In a groundbreaking move for Pakistan’s space research, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has launched the Space Applications and Research Center (SPARC-GB) in Gilgit-Baltistan. The inaugural ceremony, held on Wednesday, was attended by Gulbar Khan, the region’s Chief Guest, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s northern province.
The establishment of SPARC-GB represents a pivotal step in addressing the region’s pressing environmental and socioeconomic challenges. The facility will focus on critical issues such as water resource management, glacier melt, and climate change, playing a key role in disaster tracking and biodiversity protection. According to a SUPARCO press release, the center is poised to become a hub for monitoring natural disasters through satellite-based technologies.
SUPARCO Chairman, Muhammad Yousuf Khan, emphasized the importance of the center in his address, noting the heightened vulnerability of Gilgit-Baltistan to climate change. He stressed the need for rapid action and enhanced local capabilities to confront these challenges, highlighting the role of SPARC-GB in fortifying satellite-based monitoring systems for more effective environmental management.
The event attracted a diverse group of attendees, including scientists, researchers, environmentalists, and students. The cutting-edge facility is equipped with advanced space-based technologies that will provide critical data on landslide risks, glacier monitoring, and unpredictable weather patterns, ensuring the safety and resilience of local communities.
With this development, Gilgit-Baltistan is set to play a leading role in Pakistan’s space research, contributing to both environmental sustainability and scientific innovation.
