Zabta Khan Shinwari

Zabta Khan Shinwari (; born 3 March 1959) is a Pakistani botanist and researcher. Zabta is widely recognized for his contributions to molecular systematics, bioethics, and biosecurity. Throughout his career, Shinwari has been a vocal advocate for science diplomacy and the expansion of higher education in Pakistan’s tribal and underdeveloped regions.

Early life and education

Zabta Khan Shinwari was born on 3 March 1959 in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Shinwari got his BSc (biology) degree in 1980 and MSc (botany) in 1983 from University of Peshawar, M. Phil. (taxonomy) in 1986 from Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Ph.D. (molecular systematics) in 1994 Kyoto University (Japan) and postdoctorate fellow in 1996–1998 from International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) Japan.

In 2008, he was elected a Fellow of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences.

In 2016, he was elected a Fellow of the Islamic World Academy of Sciences.

Awards

• UNESCO Avicenna Prize for ethics in science (2015)
• Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Medal of Distinction) Award by the Government of Pakistan (2011)
• Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Star of Distinction) Award by the president of Pakistan (2018)
• Distinguished Scientists Award by Chinese Academy of Sciences (2019 - 2020)
• Best University Teacher Award by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (2012)

References