Changsha: Chinese cardiologist Pan Xiangbin has been granted the Sitara-i-Pakistan award in recognition of his contributions to medical assistance in the country. The award was conferred on Sunday by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari in Changsha, the capital of central China's Hunan Province.
According to Ghana News Agency, Pan, who serves as the vice president of China's Fuwai Hospital under the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, led a team that conducted intensive training for approximately 200 local medical personnel in Pakistan in 2025. This effort was part of a bilateral assistance project aimed at addressing congenital heart disease (CHD). The initiative marked the first-ever China-Pakistan technical collaboration in CHD treatment.
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari's visit to China runs from April 25 to May 1 and includes stops in Hunan Province and Hainan Province. The visit was confirmed by Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on Monday.