Pakistan honours Chinese scientist with Tamgha-i-Quaid-e-Azam

Pakistan honours Chinese scientist with Tamgha-i-Quaid-e-Azam for his significant contributions in scientific progress.

Chinese scientist Liu Xinmin was awarded the prestigious Tamgha-i-Quaid-e-Azam on Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day for his significant contributions to bilateral relations and scientific progress. Liu, the Chief Scientist at Ningbo University and Co-Director of the Sino-Pakistani Cooperation Centre on Traditional Chinese Medicine (SPCCTC), played a key role in establishing the SPCCTC in 2021, which has led to successful international collaborations between over 30 Chinese and Pakistani enterprises in traditional medicine.

Liu’s efforts connected Chinese institutions, such as the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, with Pakistani partners like the University of Karachi’s International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) and Hamdard University. These partnerships achieved significant milestones, including the authentication of over 20 Pakistani herbal medicines and the evaluation of more than 50 components. Their work has also led to the publication of over 30 academic papers.

In addition to research, Liu has promoted people-to-people exchanges and capacity building in traditional medicine through staff visits, seminars, and training programs, helping to cultivate a new generation of Pakistani researchers. One of his notable accomplishments was leading a multicenter study on the traditional Chinese patent medicine, Jinhua Qinggan Granules, for COVID-19 treatment at ICCBS.

Liu also initiated the Sino-Pak ‘Seeds in Space’ project, which sent seven types of Pakistani medicinal seeds into space for six months, with potential new genetic traits and medical breakthroughs expected upon their return.

The Tamgha-i-Quaid-e-Azam, one of Pakistan’s highest civilian honors, recognizes Liu’s exceptional service in strengthening China-Pakistan ties, particularly in science and medicine. The formal award ceremony is set for March 23, 2025.