KARACHI: Amid much festivity, the German Unity Day was celebrated at the consulate where politicians, diplomats, foreign dignitaries and businessmen gathered on Wednesday evening.

A national holiday that celebrates the unification of East and West Germany after decades of separation after World War II, the German Unity Day is the only non-religious national holiday celebrated in Germany. It marks the realisation of a dream of unity on October 3, 1990 when the Berlin Wall was brought down and the two sides came together; ever since then Germany has only progressed.

Consul General Eugen Wollfarth welcomed the audience and said that Karachi was a vibrant city and its various offerings were the best of what Pakistan had to offer. “I have been on the ground for very few days but I have taken the opportunity to go out and even made a visit to Thatta, Makli and the Mohatta Palace.”

He also quoted Allama Iqbal from a letter he wrote to a German friend. “Germany was a kind of second home to my spirit. I learned much and I thought much in that country. The home of Goethe had found a permanent place in my soul.”

Pakistan, he said, had a rich culture and thus had chances of a good future. “There is substantial human-based culture in Pakistan and I would like to build on it. I can promise you that in my tenure I will foster relations between the two countries, especially the excellent economic and trade relations between the two states.”

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah was the chief guest and he expressed his delight at being part of another celebration of German Unity Day. “I am honoured to be here to mark the 28th German Unity Day. Pakistan and Germany’s relationship has been of utmost respect and we are confident that the relationship will further improve over time.”

He also expressed desire to build up the relationship with the new consul general. “From the people of Sindh I wish the people of Germany a happy Unity Day and hope that we can maintain and further build up on the relationship with His Excellency Mr Eugen Wollfarth.”

Published in Dawn, October 5th, 2018