Pakistan recently celebrated a significant milestone with the launch of its first indigenous electro-optical (EO-1) satellite from China's Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The satellite, developed with the help of China, marks a key achievement in Pakistan's space program. However, despite the excitement from Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, the event quickly became the subject of online mockery and memes.
Shahbaz Sharif's Social Media Post
To mark the occasion, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif shared a post on social media platform X, expressing his pride in the launch. He wrote, "Flying high! A proud moment for the country as Pakistan proudly launched its first indigenous electro-optical (EO-1) satellite from China's Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center."
He went on to praise Pakistan's growing capabilities in space science and technology, underlining the efforts of SUPARCO, the country's space agency. Sharif also extended congratulations to the scientists and engineers involved in the project for their hard work and dedication.
The Backlash: Trolling the Satellite Design
However, as soon as the Prime Minister's post went live, netizens took to social media to make fun of the satellite's design. Some of the comments were light-hearted, while others were more pointed in their mockery.
One user posted a doctored video of a flooded area, humorously tagging Shahbaz Sharif and writing, "Hello brother, turn off the motor, the water is now overflowing and reaching the entire neighbourhood."
Others shared pictures of white water tanks, comparing them to the satellite and commenting "Same to same". Another user shared an image of a floor-cleaning solution bottle, claiming it resembled the satellite. One user sarcastically asked, "Whose water tank have you stolen now?"
The Satellite's Reception
While the launch itself was a significant achievement, the online mockery reflects the sometimes harsh reception that public figures and national projects can face, especially in the digital age where even the smallest flaws in design or presentation can become fodder for internet users.
In this case, the satellite's design appears to have caught the attention of critics, who felt it resembled a water tank, leading to the widespread trolling.
Conclusion
Despite the trolling, the launch of Pakistan's EO-1 satellite remains an important achievement for the country, especially in the realm of space technology. It reflects the growing ambitions of Pakistan in the space industry, even though the satellite's design may not have received universal praise. The incident highlights the ways in which social media can amplify both support and criticism, especially when it comes to national achievements and projects.
