ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday approved conferment of civil awards upon four Chinese dignitaries in recognition of their services in cementing Pak-China relations and promoting bilateral cooperation.

The would-be recipients are Li Shenglin and Fu Ying (Hilal-i-Quaid-i-Azam), Sun Weidong (Sitara-i-Pakistan), and Hou Yanqi (Tamgha-i-Pakistan).

The president approved the civil awards on the advice of the prime minister, says an official handout.

Mr Li played an instrumental role in efforts to increase connectivity between Pakistan and China in his capacity as China’s transport minister. 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 region.

Mr Li is a staunch advocate of promoting Pak-China strategic friendship and enhancing the existing economic and transport linkages between the two countries. He has been closely associated with Gwadar port project — another symbol of Pak-China friendship.

Ms Fu, serving as the vice minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China has remained a steadfast friend of Pakistan and a strong advocate for strengthening of Pak-China relations.

Under her leadership, the coordination and cooperation between the two ministries of foreign affairs has deepened and strengthened. She has also played an important role in advancing Pak-China strategic comprehensive partnership in all spheres of life.

Sun Weidong, deputy director-general of Asia Department in the ministry of foreign affairs, is an ardent advocate of strengthening Pak-China friendship. During his tenure, a number of important memorandums of understanding and agreements were signed. He has played an important role in ensuring a speedy follow up on various decisions taken by the leadership of two countries. His support has been crucial in the meticulous planning of high-level visits and their success.

Ms Hou is an expert on Pakistan and is currently working as Director in the Asia Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. Having learnt and mastered Urdu language, Ms Hou has contributed enormously towards cementing the friendship between Pakistan and 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 Chinese people.

Separately, the president, on the advice of the prime minister, approved conferment of Hilal-i-Imtiaz upon late Dr Mohammad Ali Shah, former sports minister of Sindh, in recognition of his meritorious contributions in the field of medicine.

President’s spokesperson Senator Farhatullah Babar said the name of Dr Shah was recommended by Governor of Sindh Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan.

Mr Babar said Dr Shah would always be remembered for his services rendered in the field of medicine, social welfare and sports. He said despite suffering from cancer, he remained active in the service of the people.

Dr Shah established a hospital where he used to provide quality treatment to patients, especially the poor, and never publicised his selfless services for the humanity. The renowned surgeon and orthopaedic expert of Pakistan passed away during his cancer treatment in the United States on Feb 4 this year.