Years after mocking ISRO, Pakistan's Fawad Chaudhry hails Chandrayaan-3 Moon landing

Former Minister of Science and Technology of Pakistan Fawad Hussain Chaudhry congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as Chandrayaan-3 makes soft landing on Moon on Wednesday. This comes as India successfully descended the Vikaram Lander to the south side of the moon, a feat achieved only by three nations in the past. Calling it a “great moment” Chaudhry stated that the moon mission motivates the young scientist to take part in new innovations. 

“What a great moment for #ISRO as #Chandrayaan3 lands on the Moon, I can see lots of young scientists celebrating this moment with Mr Somnat Chairman ISRO, only the younger generation with dreams can change the world … good luck,” Fawad Chaudhury wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Earlier today, Chaudhury insisted that Pakistan should broadcast the moon landing as well. “Pak media should show #Chandrayan moon landing live tomorrow at 6:15 PM… historic moment for Humankind especially for the people, scientists and Space community of India…. Many Congratulations,” he wrote on X. Hussian has been keeping an eye on the mission ever since Chandrayaan-3 was launched successfully on July 14. “Congratulations to the Indian space and Science community on the launch of #Chandrayaan3 wishing you all the best," he wrote on X last month. 

From mocking India to lauding India

In 2019, when the Chandrayaan 2 mission did not end up being a success, the Pakistani politician mocked the efforts of the Indian scientist. "Dear Endia; instead of wasting money on insane missions like Chandrayaan or sending idiots like Abhinandan for tea across the LoC, concentrate on poverty within. Your approach on Kashmir will be another Chandrayaan, just the price tag will be far bigger,” Chaudhry wrote in 2019. His derogatory remarks attracted criticism from not only Indians but from his fellow Pakistani citizens.