When Paul Molloy, Australia’s deputy high commissioner, leaves Pakistan next month, he goes with many good memories from his four years in this land. He became a household name soon after he arrived as he was easy to invite to the many official meetings which require the attendance of a country’s senior diplomats.

Paul Molloy added the other dimension, too, the people-to-people contact, and could be seen at openings of restaurants, art exhibitions, farewell parties for Pakistani students going to Australia, and many other formal and informal meetings and conferences. His friendliness was underlined by the host of a farewell party held for him in Islamabad last week.

“I started my working life as a journalist. But then just prior to graduation in 1975, he was selected to travel to Japan as part of a small delegation of students. He had never set foot outside Australia.

“I knew from the start that my home was in Asia, and that’s where Australia’s future lay, but I didn’t know yet I would become a diplomat for 30 years from 1983, having served in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and the last four years in Pakistan.

“Pakistan is a spectacular country with majestic scenery and, despite its negative image abroad, the people are very friendly and engaging. I have really enjoyed learning about Pakistan’s history and culture” he said. An avid hiker, Paul has probably seen more of the Margalla Hills in four years than most Pakistanis see in a lifetime.

Upon leaving Pakistan, this restless Aussie diplomat will take a six month sabbatical in Thailand to study Thai language and culture.

Will he become Australia’s high commissioner or ambassador somewhere before he retires?

“It doesn’t really matter, it isn’t what motivates me. I just love to represent my country and see the world at the same time,” says Paul Molloy.

Published in Dawn, August 31, 2014