Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Pakistani woman to go into space

ISLAMABAD: Namira Salim, a Paris-based Pakistani artist who has made her mark on the international scene as a talented and internationally accomplished artist with a strong commitment to the arts and humanity, has been selected as an astronaut to go into space in the Virgin Galactic Space Ship in 2008.

Namira will also be publishing her first book of English poetry this year, which is inspired by Urdu Ghazal. In all, her passion for humanity, art and music will come together in the form of music videos, which will light the stars with her songs.

Gifted with diverse creativity, Namira has long played the role of a goodwill and peace ambassador; her art has been exhibited during top humanitarian summits at the United Nations, Unesco and during the historic Saarc Summit in Pakistan two years ago.

Speaking at a ceremony organised here by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for Namira Salim — the first prospective Pakistani astronaut — here on Thursday, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Tariq Azeem said that Pakistani women have potential to make waves in all spheres of life and Namira Salim is one of them who will set a new direction by venturing into space. He said the concept of enlightened moderation given by the president and the idea to make Pakistan an energy corridor of the region as spelled out by the prime minister are the hard facts, which “we need to comprehend.”

The minister said the world would witness Pakistani women could stand by their male peers in all fields. He said the space venture of first Pakistani woman would set a new direction for other Pakistani women and encourage them utilize all their talent to the fullest. He said Pakistanis were contributing in various constructive fields and have earned good name at home as well as abroad.

Tariq Azeem said in May this year the government introduced Adam Khan, a formula-one driver who represents Pakistan in international car racing events, and now “we have a daughter of our country who will take our flag into the space.”

The minister said the government is committed to bringing about a change in every field of national activity to improve the living standard of people, especially women. The government, he said, would continue highlighting achievements of the talented Pakistanis like Adam Khan and Namira and show the world “the potential our people possess.”

On the occasion, Additional Secretary Information Ehsan Yousaf said introducing Namira Salim to the media that it is part of a segment within the Pakistan Image Project known as ‘Faces of Pakistan.’ He said under this segment “we introduce Pakistanis who are and would be contributing in various constructive fields, thus presenting an enlightened image of Pakistan.”

“Now we are introducing a lady who would carry the national flag into space. We are proud of our younger generation and proud to present Namira Salim as the first Pakistani to go into space and carry the Pakistani flag,” he added. Addressing the ceremony, Namira Salim said she would be on the Virgin Galactic Space Ship that would commence its commercial operations in 2008 with 100 people.

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