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Gilani said Nov 5 that the PAKSAT-1R satellite
project is yet another manifestation of the long-standing
strategic relationship between Pakistan and China,
taking the time-tested friendship to new heights.
At the inauguration of Satellite Ground Control
Station and commencement of the satellite's communication
services in Lahore, he said the satellite has
reached its intended orbit and all subsystems
are functioning perfectly well, reported Associated
Press of Pakistan.
The country's first communications satellite
PAKSAT-1R, which is a part of Pakistan's Space
Programme-2040, was launched in August on board
China's Satellite Launch Vehicle from the Xichang
Satellite Launch Centre.
The satellite has a design life of 15 years and
will provide TV broadcasting, Internet and data
communication services across South and Central
Asia, Eastern Europe, East Africa and the Far
East. This satellite now enables extending of
communication services to all areas of Pakistan.
Pakistani engineers have worked closely with
their Chinese counterparts during all stages of
development of the satellite in China.
The prime minister said that application of space
technologies is contributing significantly to
socio-economic development and these technologies
have also greatly changed the concept of national
security of countries.
"Access to and adoption of these technologies
is important for developing countries like Pakistan.
It was with this realization in mind that I approved
Pakistan's Space Vision-2040, earlier this year,"
he was quoted as saying.
Gilani said communication satellites are playing
a vital role across the world over in bridging
the digital divide between backward and remote
areas and urban centres in the fields of health,
education, entertainment and communication service
delivery.
(IANS)
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