The Czech Republic’s defence attaché , Col Miroslav Kaspar, and his wife Lydia, hosted this year’s annual dinner for defence attachés, their local counterparts and other guests, at their residence in Islamabad.

“I have been posted to Pakistan, and also accredited to Afghanistan, for three years, and will leave in half a year’s time. This will be the last annual dinner we will host,” said Col Kaspar. “We will miss not only the dinner but the excellent cooperation we have had with locals and foreigners while in Pakistan.”

“Most countries celebrate their army day and the national day. But I find it important that we also meet in more informal settings, where the spouses are welcome. Many have established friendships that will last long after our husbands’ postings are over,” said Lydia Kasparova, a preschool teacher by profession.

“I enjoyed the typical Czech soup, with cabbage and smoked meat,” said a Pakistani guest.

The lucky draw was a popular section of the event, especially for many of the European guests, reminding them of home.

“In Europe, people can sit for hours waiting for the big prize, which only a few can win,” said Col Caspar. “But then it is all about the fun of it and the conversations one can have with friends and strangers at this festive, but wintery season of the year.”

Published in Dawn, December 11th, 2017