ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President, Asif Ali Zardari, has awarded the Sitara-e-Pakistan to Professor Pan Xiangbin in recognition of his exceptional contributions to cardiac care and his dedicated service to patients in Pakistan.
The special investiture ceremony was held in Changsha, Hunan Province, according to the President’s House statement on Monday.
Professor Pan visited Pakistan in January last year, where he and his team carried out life-saving procedures on children suffering from congenital heart disease and provided specialised training to Pakistani medical professionals in advanced interventional techniques.
President Asif Ali Zardari conferred Sitara-i-Pakistan on Prof. Pan Xiangbin in Changsha, recognising his contributions to cardiac care, including treatment of Pakistani children with congenital heart disease and training of local medical professionals. pic.twitter.com/CbyfZHHZR2
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) April 27, 2026
The President noted that these contributions significantly enhanced Pakistan’s healthcare capacity and highlighted the practical benefits of cooperation between Pakistan and China.
President Zardari’s ongoing visit to China is aimed at further strengthening bilateral ties, attracting investment and accelerating sector-specific cooperation.
The Sitara-e-Pakistan (Star of Pakistan) is one of the country’s highest civilian honours. It is awarded by the Government of Pakistan to both Pakistani and foreign nationals in recognition of distinguished service in fields such as science, medicine, arts, public service, and international relations.
The award acknowledges individuals who have made significant contributions that benefit Pakistan or enhance its global standing.
Prof. Pan Xiangbin, an interventional cardiologist and cardiac surgeon, is Vice President of Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Director of the National Interventional Quality Control Centre for Structural Heart Disease.
An internationally recognised expert, he has led the development of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, with a number of world-first innovations and patented medical solutions to his credit, including ultrasound-guided interventional techniques that enable treatment without surgery, radiation exposure or general anaesthesia.
