Namira Salim traveled into space in October last year
Namira Salim, the first Pakistani to travel into space, expressed her disappointment on Saturday for not receiving any official recognition for her remarkable journey, calling it a “larger-than-life accomplishment” that involved significant risks to her life. Salim, who ventured into space in October last year aboard Virgin Galactic’s fifth successful flight, shared her regret over the lack of acknowledgment from her home country.
The adventurer, who has previously journeyed to both the North and South Poles and skydived over Mount Everest, was among the earliest customers to purchase a ticket with billionaire Richard Branson’s space company. Salim bought her spaceflight ticket in 2006 for $200,000 and has since dedicated 18 years of her time and resources to preparing for the mission. She attended numerous milestone events across the US and Europe as Virgin Galactic developed its fleet of motherships and spaceships.
Despite her groundbreaking achievement, no official ceremony has been organized to recognize Salim’s challenging, high-risk, and self-funded space mission. In contrast, figures from Pakistan’s sports and entertainment sectors have been regularly honored with civilian awards at special ceremonies in recent years.
“With a very heavy heart, I must confess that my nomination for a civil award in early 2023, before my spaceflight, for contributions to Pakistan’s space sector and SUPARCO [Pakistan’s Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission], was unfortunately blocked by an individual at the Ministry of Science and Technology, despite strong recommendations and support,” Salim said in a statement. “My nomination was merit-based, but it was not approved due to this bureaucratic hurdle.”
Salim emphasized the need for more attention and promotion of Pakistan’s space sector. She acknowledged the recognition she received in 2011 when then-President Asif Ali Zardari, upon the recommendation of former Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, awarded her the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz for her polar expeditions as the first Pakistani at the North Pole in 2007 and the South Pole in 2008, as well as her skydive over Mount Everest during the historic First Everest Skydive in 2008.
However, Salim believes she deserves official recognition for her role as Pakistan’s first astronaut and for her continuous efforts in elevating the country’s image on the global stage.
