US independence anniversary observed

US embassy compound was impressive when Ambassador Paul Jones, charge d’affaires a.i. of the US embassy in Pakistan, welcomed guests to celebrate the 243rd anniversary of the country’s independence, three months ahead of the actual date July 4.

In his speech, under the vignette ‘Building a Vision’, Mr Jones drew attention to the shared goals of the two great nations of the US and Pakistan.

“The story brings out parallels, from founding principles of our nations to our respective investments in iconic embassies in each other’s capitals. We are very proud of this brand-new, beautiful embassy compound – one of the largest in the world,” he said.

The evening’s ceremony had a very formal section, with the Marine Corps detachment marching in the flag of the United States of America and a choir singing the national anthems of the US and Pakistan.

The United States Air Force Central Command’s band, ‘Drop Zone’, which had been flown in from Doha, entertained guests during and after dinner with classical and modern tunes.

“Not only was it the music that made us feel a bit ‘home sick’, but the food also had typical American dishes,” said a Pakistani couple, who had studied in America. “There is something about the US that makes you always feel connected to the land.”

Reception for envoys held

The dean of the diplomatic corps, Turkmen Ambassador Atadjan Movlamov, held a formal farewell for the German envoy, Martin Kobler, last week with a luncheon in Marriott Hotel.

The event was also a welcome and introduction of three new envoys to Pakistan, the ambassadors of Japan, Kuninori Matsuda; Atif Mashal of Afghanistan and Ishmatullah Nasredin of Tajikistan.

After the dean had thanked the outgoing envoy for being a particular good colleague and ensuring him that he would be missed when he leaves, the outgoing envoy was invited to give his speech.

Martin Kobler spoke with passion and at length, sometimes maybe even wiping a hidden tear in the corner of his eye, as the tour of duty in Pakistan drew to a close.

Ambassador Martin Kobler took his time to give an elaborate speech, making the most of it , saying that he is now retiring from the duty of being an ambassador, and earlier a UN staffer, and a politician in the field of foreign affairs at home in Berlin.

Mr Kobler advised Pakistan to give special focus to tourism as the current administration has said it wants to do. He said Pakistan is indeed a land well worth visiting. He stressed the diversity of people and places, and indeed the friendliness everywhere.

He said that he would miss Pakistan, but promised to be back, as a tourist, in the near future.

Published in Dawn, April 8th, 2019