President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday conferred the Sitara-i-Pakistan upon renowned Chinese cardiologist Prof. Pan Xiangbin in recognition of his exceptional contributions to cardiac healthcare and services for patients in Pakistan.
The investiture ceremony was held in Changsha, where the President acknowledged Prof. Pan’s role in advancing medical cooperation between Pakistan and China, particularly in the field of interventional cardiology.
Prof. Pan, who serves as Vice President of Fuwai Hospital under the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, is also Director of the National Interventional Quality Control Center for Structural Heart Disease. He is internationally recognised for pioneering diagnostic and treatment techniques, including ultrasound-guided procedures that reduce the need for open surgery, radiation exposure, and general anaesthesia.
During the ceremony, it was highlighted that Prof. Pan visited Pakistan in January 2025, where he and his medical team performed life-saving procedures on children suffering from congenital heart disease.
He also conducted specialised training sessions for Pakistani doctors in advanced interventional techniques.
Officials noted that these initiatives have contributed to strengthening Pakistan’s healthcare capacity and reflect deepening cooperation in the medical sector between the two countries.
The ceremony was attended by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, China’s Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi, along with other senior officials including Ali Hassan Barohi and Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar.