The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) on Thursday announced “Jinnah-1” as the official name of Pakistan’s first lunar rover, selected through a nationwide naming contest that attracted more than 4,000 entries from across the country.
SUPARCO announces official name of Pakistan’s first lunar rover
ISLAMABAD, Aug 13 (APP): The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) on Thursday announced “Jinnah-1” as the official name of Pakistan’s first lunar rover, selected through a nationwide naming contest that attracted more than 4,000 entries from across the country.
The name “Jinnah-1” was selected by a jury after a comprehensive evaluation of the entries, paying tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, and reflecting his vision of a progressive, forward-looking nation.
As many as seven participants had proposed the name “Jinnah-1”. To ensure a fair selection of the winner among them, a balloting process was conducted during a special ceremony.
Seventeen-year-old Tayyab Karim Khan from Bahawalnagar was selected as the winner through the balloting process.
Addressing the ceremony, SUPARCO Chairman Muhammad Yousaf Khan appreciated the enthusiastic participation of citizens from across the country and highlighted the national significance of naming Pakistan’s first lunar rover after the Quaid-e-Azam.
He said “Jinnah-1” was not merely a name but a symbol of resilience, determination and the pursuit of progress demonstrated by the founder of Pakistan, adding that naming the country’s first lunar rover after Quaid-e-Azam sent a strong message that Pakistan was ready to carry forward its legacy of determination, hard work and leadership into new frontiers, particularly the field of space.
Pakistan’s first lunar rover, “Jinnah-1”, is scheduled to be launched in 2029 aboard China’s Chang’E-8 mission to the Moon’s South Pole.
The indigenously developed rover, equipped with advanced scientific instruments, will study lunar plasma and radiation, map the lunar terrain and conduct experiments aimed at supporting future lunar research and a sustainable human presence on the Moon.
The nationwide naming contest and the selection of “Jinnah-1” mark another significant milestone in Pakistan’s growing engagement with lunar exploration and space science.
