by Wang Xiaotong

LANZHOU, Feb 26 (China Economic Net) - Pakistani agricultural scientist Dr. Muhammad Ali Raza at the Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (GAAS) has been conferred with the 2025 Dunhuang Award by the People's Government of Gansu Province, in recognition of his contributions to the economic and social development of Gansu and the advancement of China-Pakistan agricultural science and technology cooperation.

The Dunhuang Award, established in 1996 and presented every three years, is a highly prestigious accolade in Gansu for foreign experts who have made exceptional contributions to the province's development. It boasts a distinguished reputation and extensive social influence across China. Dr. Raza's win marks the first time that GAAS has ever received the honor.

Dr. Muhammad Ali Raza is presented with the Dunhuang Award certificate by GAAS President Chang Hong. [Photo/GAAS]

As of December 2025, the official count of Pakistani students studying in China has reached nearly 29,000, with 6,000 supported by different scholarship programs. Having begun his journey in China as an international student at Sichuan Agricultural University (SAU) and now become an award-winning foreign expert at GAAS, Dr. Raza stands as an example of how Pakistani students can develop and contribute through academic and research cooperation between the two countries.

Currently, Dr. Raza is focusing on developing and optimizing water and nutrient-saving technologies for cereal/legume intercropping systems, watermelon cultivation, and high-density wheat and maize farming in arid irrigated areas of both China and Pakistan. In his view, China's agricultural technologies, smart farming systems, biotechnology, mechanization and sustainable production systems can drive transformative progress in Pakistan's agricultural development and productivity. "Your education in China should not only be a personal success story, but also a bridge of cooperation, progress, and innovation between Pakistan and China," he said.