It’s been another two years and we’re saying goodbye to the German ambassador to Pakistan. Bernhard Schlagheck really made an effort to fill in the big shoes of his predecessor Martin Kobler.
We can safely say the diplomat will be missed. While Martin Kobler was the first German ambassador to Pakistan who took such a keen interest in the culture, Bernhard Schlagheck was no less curious.
Over the course of his two-year tenure in Pakistan, we’ve seen him learn so much. Like the right tea for the right mood.
Pink tea or Gurr chai?🍵
In honor of today's Intl. #TeaDay, my colleagues Dorota & Christian visited a chai stall to prepare & try two of 🇵🇰's favorite teas! Watch the video to learn which one they like better as well as a chance to win 🇩🇪 Embassy printed mugs for yourself!😀 pic.twitter.com/nXy1gmH6yI— Alfred Grannas (@GermanyinPAK) May 21, 2022
Can't leave #Lahore without making a quick last stop for a cup of karrak doodh patti at a chaye stall! Thank you for your remarkable hospitality, Lahore! 🙏 Hope to be back soon! pic.twitter.com/QcDytxOvqY
— Alfred Grannas (@GermanyinPAK) February 17, 2022
Not to mention even his goodbye was a reflection of his budding Urdu skills.
“Khuda hafiz, dosto! My stay in 🇵🇰 has come to an end. Three years in this wonderful country flew by all too quickly — thanks esp. to the amazing people I met here. For one last time I speak to all of you through this platform, but rest assured 🇵🇰 remains forever in my heart♥️! 👇”
Khuda hafiz, dosto! My stay in 🇵🇰 has come to an end. Three years in this wonderful country flew by all too quickly — thanks esp. to the amazing people I met here. For one last time I speak to all of you through this platform, but rest assured 🇵🇰 remains forever in my heart♥️! 👇 pic.twitter.com/9woedUvMKi
— Alfred Grannas (@GermanyinPAK) June 30, 2022
He’s gathered many experiences over his two-year stay from trying out the famed ‘Charsi Tikka’ to riding rickshaws.
Among many great things #Peshawar has to offer is the incredibly delicious food. Tried the famous 🐐 #CharsiTikka during my latest trip there & absolutely loved it! I'm surprised that something cooked with the most basic seasoning ingredients could taste this rich & tasty! pic.twitter.com/CQsi1pa5Jr
— Alfred Grannas (@GermanyinPAK) August 15, 2021
Bidding farewell to some close friends & dear colleagues in the beautiful #Lahore. Thank you, Lahories, for the remarkable warmth & hospitality you have shown me over the past three years. I will dearly miss the unique charm of this vibrant city!👋 pic.twitter.com/upz9mTQvFW
— Alfred Grannas (@GermanyinPAK) June 25, 2022
Under his watch, the German embassy also partnered with FACE Music Mela. The Foundation for Arts, Culture, and Education (FACE) organizes a musical event to promote Pakistan’s rich musical talent, that’s usually under the banner of the US Embassy. Quite a steal.
Very happy to have partnered with @faceinpakistan to bring international & local musicians to #Islamabad for a wonderful #festival of fusion music! Join us with your friends & families on 3 & 4 June in F-9 Park.
For tickets & details, please visit:https://t.co/MTVlTV8UNU pic.twitter.com/2yrmcrIqY2— Alfred Grannas (@GermanyinPAK) May 27, 2022
On the other hand, he encouraged people to take on healthy habits he brought from home. After all, Islamabad’s pristine roads are the perfect place for a bike ride.
I really enjoy my lunch-time 🚲 rides! Also allows me to meet & interact with many wonderful locals, & is something that I'll dearly miss as I retire in a few weeks. Cycling certainly comes with many benefits. I hope to one day see it as popular in 🇵🇰 as it is in 🇩🇪! #BicycleDay pic.twitter.com/YhoK6NmdrU
— Alfred Grannas (@GermanyinPAK) June 3, 2022
Pleased to see more and more 🚲 on the streets of #Islamabad. Even my colleagues enjoy the extra exercise & fresh air #Cycle2WorkISB offers on long office days! pic.twitter.com/nz48L1Js8V
— Alfred Grannas (@GermanyinPAK) November 29, 2021
He might have taken tips from Martin Kobler here and there, but this German ambassador set a bar of his own.
Celebrating @Syedomair88's birthday: @MartinKobler3, my unforgettable predecessor, and me discussing how to improve the situation of people with disabilities with this tireless and admirable campaigner! pic.twitter.com/Uc0rfZHMTP
— Alfred Grannas (@GermanyinPAK) December 29, 2021
So what to expect from the new ambassador? Well, Bernhard Schlagheck is excited about her stepping in his shoes. He already gave her a disclaimer about Pakistan’s scenic beauty.
Many congratulations @RKionka on your appointment as the new #EU Ambassador to 🇵🇰! I'm very excited for you to help usher in the next stage of 🇪🇺-🇵🇰 relationship.
A word of caution, though: be ready to be amazed by not only the beauty but also the lovely hospitality of 🇵🇰! https://t.co/pukLVfI6Qw— Alfred Grannas (@GermanyinPAK) June 10, 2022
What expectations do you have for the next German ambassador? let us know in the comments below.
