Pakistan’s launch of its first locally developed Electro-Optical (EO-1) satellite from China’s
Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre
on Friday quickly became the target of social media trolling.
While Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the achievement as a significant milestone on X, online users drew comparisons between the rocket's shape and a water tanker, sparking a flood of memes and jokes on social media.
Users shared photos of water tankers on X to highlight the resemblance.
Sharif shared the news on X, calling it a "proud moment for the nation." In his post, he congratulated the scientists and engineers for their dedication, saying, “From predicting crop yields to tracking urban growth, EO1 is a leap forward in our journey towards progress.”
Deputy prime minister and foreign minister Ishaq Dar also posted on X, describing the launch as a “significant achievement” and a testament to Pakistan’s growing capabilities in space science.
According to
Suparco
, PRSC-EO1 satellite is expected to bring practical benefits, such as better disaster management, improved agricultural monitoring, and enhanced urban planning.
Suparco highlighted the peaceful purposes of the satellite, emphasising its role in sustainable development. “Launch of indigenously manufactured EO satellite is a testament to Suparco’s expertise and the government of Pakistan’s commitment to pursue space technology for peaceful purposes,” the agency was quoted as saying according to the Dawn.