ISLAMABAD: International Day of Human Spaceflight was observed on 12th April, when travelling on Vostok 1, Yuri Gagarin completed one orbit around the Earth in 108 minutes, 65 years ago.
ISLAMABAD: Russian diplomatic mission here organized a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument to Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin in Fatima Jinnah Park here on Sunday (12th April, 2026). The ceremony was attended by Ambassador Albert P. Khorev, Additional Foreign Secretary of Pakistan Ayesha Ali, Ambassadors of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, Russian Defense Attaché Colonel Vadim Fenchenko, Russian Trade Representative Denis Nevzorov, as well as officials from the CDA and SUPARCO.
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The event in the Capital of Pakistan was also attended by Embassy staff, Russian community and Pakistani academia. In his remarks, Ambassador Albert P. Khorev emphasized that Yuri Gagarin’s flight ushered in a new chapter in human history – the era of the Universe exploration. It became a powerful symbol of humanity’s determination to reach new heights in intellectual and technological advancement, to overcome any obstacle on the path toward the most ambitious and noble goals.
The Ambassador also noted that the successful launch of the Vostok-1 spacecraft was made possible by the selfless and tireless efforts of millions of Soviet citizens – the brotherly peoples of the former Soviet republics – who devoted their lives to serving their Motherland. Victory in the space race was forged through the collective endeavour of Soviet statesmen, scientists, and workers.
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At 09:07 AM at the Baiknour Cosmodrome Yuri Gagarin uttered “Off we go!” and the first spacecraft with a man on board, Vostok, was launched. He spent 1h 48m in space orbiting the Earth before safely landing in the Saratov Region.
This flight went down in history as humanity’s greatest breakthrough in science and technology, showing the intellectual and scientific power of our country, as well as the audacity and professionalism of Soviet specialists.
The news of the flight spread around the world instantly. Thousands of people greeted Gagarin in Moscow with flowers and welcoming posters. Within two years of this historic event, the cosmonaut visited over 30 countries, being honoured as a hero, unofficially called “Peace Mission”. His famous smile and charm captivated millions, increasing respect and interest for our country beyond its borders.
In 1988, the General Conference of International Aviation Federation decided to commemorate 12th April asWorld Day of Aviaton and Astronatics, and at the initiative of Russia, the United Nations General Assembly declared 12th April as International Day of Human Spaceflight.
Newspakistan.tv/Diplomatic Mission
Sania Jamali is based in Dubai and writes on National Politics of the region.
