Renowned Pakistani geologist and academic Professor Dr. M. Qasim Jan has been awarded China’s highest honour for foreign experts, the “China Friendship Award”, in recognition of his contributions to scientific collaboration and academic exchanges between Pakistan and China, according to a report carried by Gwadar Pro on Saturday.

The University of Peshawar (UoP) announced the award earlier this week, congratulating its emeritus professor of geology and former vice chancellor on receiving the prestigious international recognition.

An emeritus professor of geology at the UoP and a Higher Education Commission Distinguished National Professor, Jan has played a key role in promoting scientific cooperation between Pakistan and China. He was also honoured with the Chinese Academy of Sciences Award for International Scientific Cooperation in 2024.

A globally recognized geologist, Jan has conducted extensive research on the geology of the northwestern Himalayas, Nagarparkar and Balochistan.

His work has significantly advanced the understanding of crustal evolution, mineralogy, petrology and tectonics. He has authored and edited hundreds of scientific papers and books and collaborated with research institutions worldwide.

Over his distinguished career, Jan has served as vice chancellor of the University of Peshawar, Quaid-i-Azam University and Sarhad University.

He has also held several national and international scientific leadership positions, including president of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences and founding vice president of the Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO).

His contributions to science and higher education have earned him numerous national and international honours, including Pakistan’s Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Sitara-i-Imtiaz and Tamgha-i-Imtiaz.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China