Kazakh envoy hosts reception

Kazakhstan’ ambassador Bakhytbek Shabarbayev and his wife hosted a reception in Marriott Hotel to celebrate his country’s Independence Day. Sharbarbayev is also Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Pakistan. Minister of State for Water and Power, Abid Sher Ali, was the chief guest.

The event was attended by envoys from Kazakhstan’s neighboring Central Asian countries and from the rest of the world, Pakistani officials and retired diplomats, and a number of locals and foreigners from the private sector and civil society organisations.

“I am always glad to see young guests,” said a retired Pakistani teacher and a full-time grandmother.

Ambassador Shabarbayev was a jovial host assisted by his secretary Almatkhan Kali, both being available for photo shoots. “It seems it is part of being a diplomat nowadays,” smiled a guest. He said photos might be used not only in newspapers and magazines, but also on social media.

When the event drew to a close, another guest remarked that it was most likely the last large reception in 2016.

“Mid-winter and Christmas change the style of events for a while, and many diplomats take holidays this time of the year,” said a retired Pakistani diplomat.

Kenya’s Independence Day celebrated

Kenya’s High Commissioner Prof. Julius K. Bitok and his wife and staff welcomed a large number of guests to a ceremony to celebrate the country’s 53rd Independence Day this week. It was the first time that the event took place in the new buildings of the chancery and residence.

However, the large banquette hall was not quite ready yet, so a large tent on a lawn adjacent to the current reception hall provided a beautiful space for the event. The high commissioner in his speech stressed the need for good relations between his country and Pakistan, adding both the countries can expand trade. Kenya is a famous tourist destination, especially for wildlife safaris. A large number of Asians live in Kenya, with heritage from the Sub-continent.

There are a number of Kenyans studying in Pakistan, particularly at the International Islamic University Islamabad. Some of the students gave a dance performance, making the event more colorful and memorable. And then it was the time for Kenyan and Pakistani food dishes.

Ghulam Murtaza Khan Jatoi, Minister of Industries and Production, was the chief guest on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2016