[SatNews] This successful satellite, recently launched, is being cited as a prime example of Pakistani and Chinese cooperation...

Pakistan's communication satellite, which was launched by China, is functioning fine, said Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, who described the project as an example of Islamabad-Beijing strategic ties. Gilani last Saturday said 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 the 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.

PAKSAT-1R, which is a part of Pakistan's Space Programme-2040, was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in China. 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.