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Pakistan’s minister for science and technology has been mocked on Twitter after claiming that it was Pakistani space agency SUPARCO, not NASA, that launched the iconic Hubble telescope.
Mistakes are an unavoidable part of life but this particular gaffe from Fawad Chaudhry left many people open-mouthed and totally bewildered.
Speaking to the local television on Sunday Chaudhry described Hubble as “the world’s biggest telescope” which “was sent [into space] by SUPARCO… Then there are other satellites, and there are other [types of] technologies.”
The blooper seemed to amuse Twitter users as sarcastic responses poured in. One user noted that there is “no need to watch cartoons on Cartoon Network” as long as government ministers put on such a show.
PM:"Roohuniyat, Raooniat…."
Fawad Ch:"Hubble Telescope sent into space by SUPARCO" hahahaha…
No need to watch cartoons on Cartoon Network now…
Just watch jalsas and talk shows of Govt ministers???— J.J (@janjarwar1) May 6, 2019
“NASA is dead. Long live PTI,” another one tweeted poking fun at the Pakistani ruling party.
Fawad Chaudhary claims that Hubble Space Telescope was sent into orbit by Suparco (Pakistan's space agency) and wants to use the same technology for Moonsighting.
NASA is dead. Long live PTI. #RamadanMubarak pic.twitter.com/H2M5BKAMga
— Murtaza Ali Shah (@MurtazaViews) May 5, 2019
“Thank God he didn’t say that NASA is one of the projects of SUPARCO!!!” another tweet read.
Nooooooooo! WTF! ??♂️??♂️??♂️ https://t.co/2sEehUppxo
— Hasan Zaidi (@hyzaidi) May 5, 2019
A rocket scientist watches on as Suparco launches hubble space telescope into orbit.
Lala Musa Space Center
1990 pic.twitter.com/otjLCnEjZ7— History of Pakistan (@OldPakHistory) May 5, 2019
انوکھا سینسدان ? pic.twitter.com/xUueLMvEoL
— I'AmRadioActive ? ?? #VisitPakistan (@sb_qureshii) May 5, 2019
One cheeky user jokingly suggested that Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan should send the minister “into space as a reward” for his “discovery.”
You have really surpassed all your predecessors. Just a few days under your patronage we realized that SUPARCO has sent 'hubal' telescope into space.. Incredible. Mr. PM @ImranKhanPTI should send such discoverer into space as a reward..! #Pakistan @MaryamNSharif
— jamal.khan (@jamalkh93630642) May 6, 2019
Meanwhile, someone shared a link to NASA’s website with background information about the telescope, apparently hoping that the official could do better fact-checking in future.
Pakistan’s space program dates back to 1960s when the nation launched its first unmanned rocket. In 2018, Islamabad launched its two newest remote-sensing satellites from a Chinese space airfield.
NASA launched the Hubble telescope in 1990. During almost three decades in service, it captured a range of iconic images depicting objects in the solar system and distant galaxies alike.
