When Dr. Zulqarnain Baloch first arrived in China from Pakistan over a decade ago, he never imagined his academic pursuits would lead to building a life deeply rooted in the red soil of Yunnan, a southwestern province in China. Today, as a professor and master’s supervisor at the Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology (KUST), his story stands as a powerful example of how perseverance and openness can reshape a person’s destiny, and how one individual, guided by passion and resilience, can turn unfamiliar soil into a place where both personal dreams and shared hopes take root, according to a report carried by Gwadar Pro on Monday.

His academic journey in China began in 2012 when he embarked on his Ph.D. studies at KUST. His research, which focuses on HPV molecular epidemiology, has taken him across Yunnan’s diverse landscape, working with ten different ethnic groups. The scientific mission had profound social implications - his team provided more than 25,000 free HPV genotyping tests on women from underprivileged minority communities, generating critical data that would inform public health strategies across the province. Academic recognition followed his substantial contributions. The Yunnan Provincial Government honored him with the Outstanding Ph.D.

Thesis Award of 2017, while KUST presented him with their Graduate Outstanding Thesis award in the same year and the Excellent International Graduate gold medal in 2016. The university also named him a “Cultural Exchange Ambassador”, acknowledging his talent and efforts for bringing people together across cultures. The warmth he experienced extended far beyond the laboratory walls. He recalls early days when language barriers made him hesitant to venture out, until a taxi ride changed his perspective. His Italian friend introduced him as “my Pakistani friend,” prompting the driver to immediately respond, “This is our friend!”

That simple declaration revealed the genuine affection Chinese people hold for Pakistanis, making him feel truly welcome. This sense of belonging grew stronger through years of collaboration with Chinese colleagues in what he describes as “clean, modern laboratories” where knowledge flowed freely across cultural lines. The supportive research environment helped him produce quality publications while forming lasting bonds with local researchers. Life took another meaningful turn in 2019 when he married a Yunnan native. Now a father of 2 kids, he reflects on how his wife’s independence and competence have created space for his academic pursuits.

“Her strength allows me to focus deeply on my research,” he notes, appreciating the partnership that supports both family life and professional ambitions. Benefiting from the recommendations of seniors from Balochistan and Punjab who had studied in China before him, Dr. Zulqarnain Baloch is now actively guiding new generations of Pakistani students. His sister completed her Ph.D. at the South China Agricultural University in 2023 and returned home to contribute her expertise. Many other Pakistani students have followed his path to China, with many now occupying respected positions in their fields.

His advice to newcomers is practical and heartfelt: Embrace the language, immerse yourself in the culture, and learn from Chinese peers. Prioritizing connections with Chinese colleagues will transform your research experience and career prospects. Now settled in his dual role as a scientist and cultural ambassador, Dr. Zulqarnain Baloch looks forward to expanding China-Pakistan cooperation into the broader fields of science, society and business. His story stands as a testament to what can be achieved when talent meets opportunity—and when two cultures come together in mutual respect and shared purpose.

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