KARACHI: It was thoughtful of German Consul General in Karachi Rainer Schmiedchen to recall the invaluable services rendered by the late Dr Ruth Pfau to Pakistani society while celebrating the National Day of Germany on Friday.

The evening started off with the national anthems of Pakistan and Germany. Then Mr Schmiedchen took to the podium and delivered a succinct speech. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Governor Mohammed Zubair stood next to him.

Mr Schmiedchen stated at the outset that he would not lecture (the audience) on trade figures but rather share some personal observations with them. He said he’d like to remind everyone of Dr Ruth Pfau of the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre. He was proud to have Dr Pfau as his guest on the same occasion in 2015 and 2016. All enjoyed her presence and (now) missed her medical expertise and modesty, as well as her warm-hearted sense of optimism and humour. She was a role model of a successful Pakistani-German relationship. “May others follow her example.”

Mr Schmiedchen said one of his personal observations was related to the German elections two weeks ago. During the election party at the German Consulate he had the impression that some of his Pakistani friends might assume a change in German policies because a new party was elected to (German) federal parliament. Some of the friends might remember what he said during the party immediately after the election results: “There will be no general change in Germany’s foreign policy. We will go on strengthening the United Nations and we will go on promoting necessary reforms within the European Union. We will continue supporting countries which need our support.”

Mr Schmiedchen said he was sure that German engagement with Pakistani partners and fruitful cooperation in various areas would go on for the benefit of Pakistan and Germany.

His next observation was to do with the younger ones in the two countries, particularly those who were active in the field of cultural exchange. He took the opportunity to thank director of the Goethe Institut Stefan Winkler and his team for implementing many cultural projects, especially promoting the German language in Pakistan. He reminded the audience that the annual German cultural weeks had started.

Mr Schmiedchen also acknowledged the Pakistani institutes that had over the years partnered with the consulate. He said Germans held those institutions in high esteem that tackled the issue of extremism. After the speech Mr Schmiedchen along with some of his Pakistani guests cut a cake.

Published in Dawn, October 8th, 2017