‘Changing of guards’ was the title of a song by Bob Dylan in 1978. The phrase is commonly used by the British, Americans and others in ceremonial connections.

In embassies, the guards change after some years when new envoys are appointed.

Last week, there were farewell parties for two ambassadors in the capital.

Romanian Ambassador Emilian Ion hosted a farewell dinner for the Austrian ambassador, Axel Wech.

He will make a stopover at home in Vienna to ascertain all is well there, and that his elderly mother is fine. She has visited Pakistan several times but will miss the opportunity as Axel Welch is now posted to Azerbaijan.

Ambassador Petros Mavroidis of Greece, the Hellenic Republic, will return to his country’s capital - Athens - awaiting further placement at home or abroad.

Ambassador Ion was a jovial host, serving homemade food at his residence. Humorous farewell speeches were held and gifts exchanged.

And those who still smoked, or just want the company of smokers, enjoyed a cigarette or cigar on the terrace. That crowned the evening for all.

— Text and pho­to by Atle Hetland & Shahbaz Chaudary

Published in Dawn, November 23rd, 2014