President Asif Ali Zardari has approved conferment of civil awards upon the Chinese dignitaries in recognition of their meritorious services in further cementing Pak-China relations. The awards will be conferred on Li Shenglin - Hilal-e-Quaid-i-Azam, Fu Ying - Hilal-e-Quaid-i-Azam, Sun Weidong - Sitara-e-Pakistan, Hou Yanqi - Tamgha-e-Pakistan, for promoting co-operation between the two countries in their respective areas.
The citations eulogising the Chinese dignitaries state that Li Shenglin played an instrumental role in efforts to increase connectivity between Pakistan and China in his capacity as Minister of Transport. During his tenure, work was initiated on the up-gradation and realignment of Karakoram Highway. Under his guidance, the Ministry of Transport played a leading role in reaching out to the stranded people of Attabad lake.
Li Shenglin is a staunch advocate of promoting Pakistan-China strategic friendship and enhancing the existing economic and transport linkages between the two countries. He has been closely associated with Gawadr port project- a symbol of Pakistan-China friendship. Fu Ying, serving as the Vice Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China has remained a steadfast friend of Pakistan and a strong advocate of strengthening Pakistan-China relations.
Under her leadership, the co-ordination and co-operation between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs deepened and strengthened. She has also played an important role in advancing Pak-China strategic comprehensive partnership in all spheres of life. The citation noted that Sun Weidong Deputy Director General of Asia Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China is an ardent advocate of strengthening Pak-China friendship.
During his tenure, a number of important Memorandums of Understanding/Agreements were signed. He has played an important role in ensuring a speedy follow up on the various decisions taken by the leadership of the two countries. His support has been crucial in the meticulous planning of the high level visits and their success.
The citation for Hou Yanqi states that she is an expert on Pakistan and is currently working as Director in Asia Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. Having learnt and mastered Urdu language, Hou Yanqi has contributed enormously towards cementing the friendship between Pakistan-China. She has worked diligently and with zeal on matters pertaining to Pak-China relations and pushed the pace of bilateral economic projects.
Employing her skills in Urdu language, she has promoted cultural and people-to-people contact between the two countries. She has always been at the forefront in arranging cultural and educational events aimed at creating better understanding of Pakistan among the Chinese people. President Asif Ali Zardari also approved conferment of Hilal-i-Imtiaz upon former Sports Minister of Sindh late Dr Muhammad Ali Shah in recognition of his meritorious contributions in the field of medicine.