Salahuddin Haider
FOR nearly three decades, German Unity Day to mark the unity of the two Germanies since world war 11, was celebrated again this week in remarkable fashion. The venue, German consulate general in Clifton was profusely illuminated. Governor Imran Ismail, and chief minister Murad Ali Shah, were both present along with large number of guests intermingling with each other at the vast lawns of the premises, and the chatting, discussions, on current or different subjects, was indeed enlightening.
Credit for this goes to the Consul General Eugene Wollfarth who started the ceremonies with national anthems of his country and Pakistan, followed by speeches from the host, and Sindh governor, both eulogizing the tremendous goodwill in political and economic ties binding the two countries closer together in since ages, and efforts being made for last eight to ten years to promote trade and investment relationship through the German-Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industries.
Wollfarth, by nature, and approach or attitude towards lifes, not only is deeply conscious of his obligations as his country’s representative in Karachi, looking after economic welfare of Sindh and Balochistan, but is an extremely pleasant, delightful personality. Large number of guests were present from different segments of the society, business elite, diplomats positioned in Karachi, members of the German companies, including joint ventures with Pakistanis.
Prominent among them were consuls general of Bangla Desh Noor-e-Helal Saifur Rehman, of Qatar Misal Ansari, and his deputy Nasir, UAE consul general, of Japan, Toshikazu Isumura, of UK and USA, Italy, etc, Among prominent businessmen were Kalim Frooqui, Farrukh, Nadeem, Nasim Sheikh, Qazi Sajid Ali, Zia Ispahan, supreme court lawyer Nafees SIddiqi, Editor in chief of Pakistan Observer, Faisal Zahid Malik, and a number of others. In words short, plain and simple it was a warm party, very memorable, and will remain fresh in mind for long time to come.
