ISLAMABAD (MNN) – The Russian Embassy on Friday revealed that a monument honouring Yuri Gagarin, the first human to journey into space and return safely, has been installed at Islamabad’s Fatima Jinnah Park.
Gagarin made history in April 1961 when he embarked on a space mission aboard the Vostok spacecraft, launching from southern Kazakhstan and famously declaring “Let’s go” as the rocket lifted off. His journey lasted 108 minutes, after which the 27-year-old cosmonaut ejected from his capsule and landed by parachute in a field in Russia’s Saratov region.
A post shared on X stated that the inauguration ceremony was attended by Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev, Power Minister Awais Leghari, Russian Ambassador Albert P. Khorev, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia Faisal Niaz Tirmizi and cosmonaut Elena Serova.
Quoting Tsivilev, the statement noted that Gagarin’s achievement represents a milestone in shared history, adding that countless scientists continue to contribute to space research globally for the benefit of all nations.
The monument’s unveiling was aligned with the 10th session of the Russia-Pakistan Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation.
The embassy also expressed appreciation to the International Charitable Fund “Dialogue of Cultures – United World” for providing Gagarin’s bust, as well as to the St Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange and Pakistani authorities for their cooperation in completing the project.
Tsivilev further announced that Islamabad will host a Russia-Pakistan conference on space science and infrastructure next year.
