The dean of Diplomatic Corps, Argentinean Ambassador Rodolfo Martin Saravia, held a farewell lunch for three outgoing ambassadors. It was the last event the dean hosted since he himself is going after about 11-12 years in Pakistan.

The new dean is said to be the ambassador of Kazakhstan since he is the envoy who has served the longest in the country, and that is the criterion for the prestigious and mostly ceremonial designation.

Swedish Ambassador Tomas Rosandar will return to the foreign office in Stockholm in early April after his two-year stay in Pakistan. A woman has been nominated for the post.

British High Commissioner Philip Barton will return to the headquarters in London, also after his two-year assignment in Pakistan.

Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Inomata has been appointed as the ambassador to The Netherlands, but he will have a few weeks of spring leave at home in Tokyo before taking up the new assignment.

The dean noted that the Dutch queen had visited Pakistan this week but he fell short of suggesting that she had come all the way to welcome the new Japanese ambassador. But the dean was indeed in his best of jovial spirits.

He apologised for giving a slightly lengthy speak but said since it was his last speech to his colleagues, he wanted to take some time in appreciating the good company they had given him in Pakistan over the years.

“Pakistanis have been the best and friendliest hosts that I and my wife Christina could wish for, and it will be indeed sad to leave in a few weeks,” he said.

Meanwhile, new Afghan Ambassador Dr Omar Zakhilwal has arrived in Pakistan to be introduced to his colleagues at the next dean’s formal gathering.

Published in Dawn, February 15th, 2016