US envoy Blome bids farewell to Pakistan today

ISLAMABAD: After serving in Pakistan for nearly three years, US Ambassador Donald Blome has formally relinquished his position, marking the end of his diplomatic tenure in Islamabad. He will leave Pakistan today (Saturday), according to a spokesperson for the US embassy in Islamabad.

“Mr Blome’s transition comes as part of the normal US Foreign Service rotation process,” the spokesperson said.

US Deputy Chief of Mission Natalie Baker will take over as the chargé d’affaires to oversee the day-to-day operations of the US embassy in an interim capacity until a new ambassador is appointed.

The US embassy statement quoted Mr Blome as saying it has been an honour to serve as the US ambassador to Pakistan. “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made and hopeful for Pakistan’s future. Phir Milein Ge (see you).”

The outgoing ambassador said during his time as the ambassador, he had worked with Pakistani friends to enter a new chapter in bilateral partnership.

“Over the last three years, we have worked together to tackle some of the greatest challenges of our time, including overcoming the COVID pandemic and helping millions of people rebuild after 2022’s devastating floods. We created jobs and opportunities that lift up people, and we’ve expanded access to quality health care and education,” he said.

Mr Blome said from conversations over chai to Qawwali performances to the thrill of playing cricket, it had been a joy and a privilege to experience the warmth and hospitality that he’d found in every corner of Pakistan. He said Islamabad had become a home away from home.

Blome said from Gwadar to Gilgit, he’d had the great privilege of travelling all over the country from the stunning peaks of the north to the remarkable heritage sites of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, witnessed the diversity of Pakistan’s landscapes and its people, and experienced the richness of its culture.