BEIJING: In a ceremony underscoring the strength and depth of Pakistan-China relations, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, conferred high civil awards on two eminent Chinese nationals for their outstanding contributions to bilateral cooperation.
The investiture ceremony took place at the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing and highlighted the shared achievements born of the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Acting on behalf of the President of Pakistan, Ambassador Hashmi presented the “Hilal-e-Quaid-e-Azam” to Fu Zhiheng, President of the China Great Wall Industry Corporation, and the “Tamgha-e-Imtiaz” to Zhang Baozhong, Director of the China Peace and Development Fund, in recognition of their longstanding commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
The ceremony was attended by senior diplomats, officials, and representatives from both countries, as reported by Gwadar Pro on Thursday.
In his remarks, Ambassador Hashmi paid tribute to the honorees’ enduring impact, stating that their work was “not just a single moment, but part of a much larger, ongoing story of shared progress.” He lauded the awardees for embodying the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect that characterizes the Pakistan-China relationship.
Fu Zhiheng was honored for his instrumental role in advancing Pakistan’s space technology capabilities, most notably through his leadership in launching Pakistan’s remote sensing satellites. These satellites have played a crucial role in agricultural planning, disaster response, and environmental monitoring.
Fu’s collaboration with Pakistan’s space agencies also paved the way for the establishment of the Pakistan Space Center, marking a transformative chapter in Pakistan’s journey toward scientific and technological advancement.
Zhang Baozhong, meanwhile, was recognized for his visionary leadership at the China Overseas Ports Holding Company, where he was at the forefront of the Gwadar port project—a cornerstone of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Under his guidance, Gwadar transformed from a modest fishing town into a symbol of regional connectivity and economic opportunity.
Zhang’s continued advocacy for Pakistan-China collaboration, even after retiring from formal duties, was described by Ambassador Hashmi as a “testament to his deep commitment and affection for Pakistan.”
The awards ceremony served not only as a formal recognition of two individuals’ outstanding service but also as a powerful reminder of the robust and evolving partnership between Islamabad and Beijing. The event resonated with the shared strategic vision of both nations for sustainable development, regional stability, and technological progress.
