Former envoy visiting Pakistan

Islamabad

Visiting Pakistan these days is former Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, ambassador of Argentina, Rodolfo Martin Saravia, who left Pakistan earlier this year after nearly a dozen years of representing his country. His record matches that of Raja Tridev Roi who was Pakistan’s ambassador to Argentina for a similar period!

The former Dean was a popular person, with a good rapport with the diplomatic and Pakistani community in Islamabad as well as in other parts of the country. He was well known for his energy in organising and patronising many charitable events; accepting invitations from those who wanted him to attend an official event whether it was for a big or small affair; welcoming new colleagues and introducing them to the diplomatic community when they arrived and holding official farewells when it was time for them to say farewell. He and his wife Susana also hosted many private farewell dinners/lunches for those colleagues from countries with whom Argentina has special relations or who had become their personal friends. And most importantly, he had a hand in making the people of Pakistan and Argentina learn about each other’s country and open up new avenues of cooperation, for which he was awarded the ‘Hilal-e-Pakistan.’

 How does it feel to be back? “I feel as if I have come home,” he says with a warm smile. “I always considered Pakistan to be my second home.” Having seen a change in government several times, he knows many political entities; he had a good working relationship with the Foreign Office and knows many of our diplomats as well as people from different walks of life and social standing.And yes, he had his detractors, like many popular persons, especially if they are in the ‘public eye’ as he was. But the ‘positive’ feelings towards him outweigh the ‘negative.’ He is being feted by his friends in the Capital as well as in Lahore and Karachi and has received many invitations causing him to change his date of departure.

Welcome ‘home’ Rodolfo!