Documentary on snow leopard screened

German Ambassador Martin Kobler welcomed diplomats and other foreign and local guests to the German embassy auditorium last week for the screening of a Pakistani documentary on snow leopards in the northern areas.

Titled In Pursuit of Phantom, the documentary was produced by Abdullah Khan and Rias Mohammad – founders and directors of Woodnote Films, who were assisted by field biologists and other experts.

The film was followed by resounding applause and a Q&A that featured experts on environmental research, civil servants and NGOs.

“I was pleased to see the film showing some of the broader issues concerning the wild animals living near farms and domestic animals. From time to time, that leads to a great loss of animals when the snow leopard attacks,” a guest said.

“The film showed this, and ways should be found to compensate locals when this happens,” he said.

Another guest said: “I hope Pakistan can keep the great treasure that the snow leopard is to the country.”

The filmmakers also spoke about spreading the word and giving attention to preserving snow leopards, including funding research.

“The work of NGOs like the Snow Leopard Foundation is essential,” a Pakistani guest said.

Conversation concluded over refreshments after the screening and discussion were over.

“I have never seen the auditorium so full in the half-year since I came to Pakistan, and I am very pleased,” Ambassador Kobler said as he saw off guests.

Romanian envoy speaks at ESU

Romanian Ambassador Nicole Goia spoke at last week’s lecture at the English Speaking Union (ESU) in Islamabad.

The event, which was hosted by Ziaur Rehman Zabeeh and held at the residence of ESU Chairman Khalid Malik, featured over 30 participants including ambassadors, high commissioners, other diplomats, ESU members and guests.

Special Secretary Shah M. Jamal and Additional Secretary for Europe Zaheer Aslam Janjua from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also attended the event.

Ambassador Goia gave a broad overview of the major achievements of Romania after the Soviet Union was dissolved, noting that today, the country is the fasted growing member of the European Union. He said there is excellent cooperation between his county and Pakistan, but added that there is room for expansion in the fields of trade and commerce.

Mr Goia said that Pakistan’s contributions and sacrifices regarding the fight against terrorism were not recognised properly by the rest of the world. He also encouraged Pakistan to be robust in presenting its land abroad. He said that when he had been appointed ambassador to Pakistan, he said that not only was he happy, but his wife too had immediately appreciated the opportunity to live in Pakistan.

Japanese deputy head of mission dies

Junta Matsuura, the Japanese embassy’s deputy head of mission, died suddenly of a brain haemorrhage a few days ago. His family have arrived, and he will be laid to rest at home in Japan.

Matsuura fell ill at home, and passed away upon arriving at a hospital.

The diplomatic community, government partners, civil society, friends and colleagues from Islamabad and all over the country expressed shock and sadness over Matsuura’s death.

As deputy head of mission and, occasionally, acting ambassador, Matsuura shouldered important duties in the promotion of Japan-Pakistan relations.

“His friendly and informal personality contributed to open and productive dialogue with all partners, as well as Japanese and Pakistani staff members at the embassy,” said a local embassy staffer.

“His style was such that [your mood improved] when meeting him, even when issues were serious business,” he added.

“I send my deepest condolences to the Embassy of Japan, and to Mr Junta Matsuura’s family and friends. He will be deeply missed,” said a member of the diplomatic community in Islamabad.

— Text and photo: Atle Hetland & Shahbaz Chaudary

Published in Dawn, January 15th, 2018