Islamabad
To bid farewell to a popular couple -- the ambassador of Japan and Mrs Inomata as well as High Commissioner of Britain Philip Barton -- a joint farewell dinner was hosted by the CEO, Serena hotels and Mrs. Aziz Boolani and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador of Argentina and Mrs. Martin-Saravia.
The event was held in the Nazara Lounge of Serena Hotel and attended by a large number of guests both from the diplomatic and the Pakistani community living in the capital.
After welcoming the guests Aziz Boolani first addressed Ambassador Inomata and said it was sad to say goodbye to someone who was not only a good friend but had been a sporting golfing partner as well during the two years he had been in the country. He appreciated his very active role in the social and cultural life of the city in spite of his busy schedule of official work that saw him travelling all over the country. Speaking of High Commissioner Barton he said though he had been here a short while he had done a lot to cement the relationship between Pakistan and the UK. “We will miss you both and wish you all the best for the future.”
After saying welcome to the guests, Ambassador Martin-Saravia said he and his co-host had taken the decision for a joint farewell – since they both wanted to do it – when it was learned that their friends would only be in Islamabad for a few days after the official announcement of their departure. He too praised his colleagues for their active role in overseeing the role their country has in contributing to the welfare of Pakistan and its people.
Both hosts shared lighter moments of their friendly interaction with the guests of honour, especially while playing golf – partners Aziz Boolani and Hiroshi Inomata losing to Rodolfo Martin-Saravia and Philip Barton most of the time!
In his response Ambassador Inomata thanked his hosts and said he was sorry to be leaving Pakistan but they were going to Europe, so their friends were welcome to visit them. Adding that he had been happy to serve in Pakistan, he said he and Midori had very pleasant memories of their stay, especially because of the people and concluded by wishing peace and prosperity for the country.
High Commissioner Barton thanked his hosts; recalled his first visit to the Dean and the good advice he had received; said he was sorry to be leaving sooner than expected and concluded by saying it was the best posting he had so far due to the hospitality and welcoming nature of Pakistanis.
And that was not the end of the evening! A surprise was in store for the guests as GM Serena, Michel Galopin announced that he and two other guests had been observing them the whole evening to pick the ‘most elegant male and female guests.’ The ladies prize went to Aliya Amad and the gents one went to Nasir Khan – please note, both Pakistanis!
The second surprise was a brief ‘concert,’ with the Dean and the musically inclined ambassador of Bosnia & Herzegovina, Nedim Makarevic singing a couple of songs, after which the latter sang ‘Dil Dil Pakistan’ dedicating it to all his Pakistani friends. Needless to say, the catchy tune had everyone clapping along – an act spearheaded by Fariha Hasan – or joining in if they knew the words.
The evening ended with the presentation of mementos to the couples who were the guests of honour by the Boolanis and it was generally agreed it was a farewell to remember.