Images

This isn't goodbye, promises German Ambassador Martin Kobler as he packs up his life in Pakistan

This isn't goodbye, promises German Ambassador Martin Kobler as he packs up his life in Pakistan

MK packed a sherwani, an old carved door and some funky Chinioti furniture before leaving Pakistan.
Updated 10 Apr, 2019

German ambassador (and Twitter celebrity) Martin Kobler bid adieu to Pakistan today.

Kobler arrived in Pakistan as German ambassador in August 2017 and announced his retirement in early March this year.

The ambassador racked up quite a following on Twitter (over 200K followers) with his enthusiastic documentation of his nearly two-year stay in the country.

He enjoyed Pakistani culture and that showed through his tweets, particularly during his last month's whirlwind of activity that marked his farewell.

In an emotional farewell video posted this weekend, he said, "I must say I’m leaving the country with a sad heart but be sure I will come back as an ordinary tourist.”

He continued, “I spent two of the most wonderful years in Pakistan which were professionally awarding but also rewarding in my private life. I discovered so many beauties of your country. Despite all the difficulties you might have in the political world, social and economic fields I’m very confident that Pakistan will make away to peace and prosperity."

“I wish you a good future particular the young generation. Thank you for giving me such a wonderful time in your country,“ he concluded.

Just like his travels through Pakistan, Kobler's wrapping up of his life in Islamabad was avidly followed on Twitter.

He invested in a sherwani:

Also took home other souvenirs from Pakistan, like this carved door:

...and some funkily upholstered furniture from Chiniot:

He gave away his signature Foxy to charity but not before taking it for one last spin. The Volkwagen Club of Pakistan gave him a token to remember it by.

He was feted at several lunches and got a bunch of cool gifts like this caricature of him:

He met everyone, from President Arif Alvi to the FC guards who provided him security:

And made sure that even his hardworking packers dined with him:

Comments

merewether Apr 10, 2019 10:12am
A true goodwill Ambassador for Pakistan
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Fahad Amir Apr 10, 2019 10:24am
My request to Government is to give this guy Honorary CITIZENSHIP he really loves PAKISTAN since long i have been following him for years. Great Guy
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abu.ashhad Apr 10, 2019 10:40am
what a fantastic personality!
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karachitee Apr 10, 2019 10:46am
Very dynamic ambassador.
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A pakistani Apr 10, 2019 10:53am
What a gentleman, thank you Herr Kobler for the love you have shown to Pakistan.
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Masroor Apr 10, 2019 10:53am
Auf Wiedersehen...Tschüss...Herr Kobler!
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Hope. Apr 10, 2019 10:56am
Pakistanis never forget friends, you will be missed, you are welcome to come back anytime you want.
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NewBorn Apr 10, 2019 11:19am
The federal government should award him an honorary citizenship.
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Alishan Apr 10, 2019 11:19am
What a lively man! Respects for him for being such a generous and kind representative of his country! Farewell to you Sir.
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Asad Apr 10, 2019 12:24pm
Thanks a lot for wishing us a good future, and for showcasing the positive side of the country to the world! Wish every ambassador is like you. Auf Wiedersehen.
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Pro Bono Publico Apr 10, 2019 12:30pm
You made lives of some of the people of this country a bit more tolerable through open communication, interaction and good advice. I wish you health, happiness and success in your illustrious career as ambassador. All the best for you and your family Mr. Martin Kobler. Salam from Canada.
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Sabir Pakistani Apr 10, 2019 12:54pm
What a gentleman you are sir! Wish you best of luck!
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Hamed Quraishi Apr 10, 2019 02:04pm
He may be a honourable private person. But he represented a "questionable " government.
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M. Saeed Apr 10, 2019 02:58pm
A very refreshing farewell. But, I was expecting to see here, his "Truck Art" decorated scooter he said would carry along and drive on Berlin roads.
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Awamun Naas Apr 10, 2019 03:35pm
@Fahad Amir. That would be nice of course. Sadly, Germany allows dual nationality only with EU nations and Switzerland. So if he becomes a Pakistani National, he will have to give up his German citizenship, which is not likely I am sure.
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Hafeez Apr 10, 2019 07:07pm
@Fahad Amir agree 200%
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Hafeez Apr 10, 2019 07:09pm
Thank you Mr. Kobler. He could have been so useful for much needed German Pakistan relations.
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Bilal Yaqoob Apr 10, 2019 07:16pm
Love You Sir .
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Zeeshan Ahmed Apr 10, 2019 07:21pm
We need more people like him, very inspiring article.
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worth_commenting Apr 10, 2019 07:30pm
Hope you will visit Pakistan again. Have a great career in the rest of your diplomatic service. Thank you Martin Kobler.
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Hassan Apr 10, 2019 07:47pm
Mr. Kobler, we will miss you. ...
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saira Apr 10, 2019 08:44pm
He is soooo cute. I have become his fan!
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Sami Apr 11, 2019 12:25am
Thank you for your services and love for Pakistan Martin.
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Imtiaz Ali Khan Apr 11, 2019 12:55am
Ambassador of Germany Honorable Martin Kobler we love you so much. Thank you for being you. Will welcome you with open arms, please do visit us again we need good souls like you. Germany has a special place in our hearts too for giving us Dr Ruth Pfau and good souls like Ambassador Kobler. Danke.
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Rana Umar Ali Apr 11, 2019 08:00am
Mr. Martin Kobler stay blessed. We love you too.
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Chingez Khan Apr 11, 2019 10:43am
Thanks Mr. Kobler. Your are more patriot Pakistani then these goons named Zardaris, Sharifs, Fazlu Kattak and Asfandyar.
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Chingez Khan Apr 11, 2019 10:43am
We miss you.
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Layon Lobo Apr 11, 2019 11:57am
This gentleman was a true ambassador of his country and a complete humanitarian. You and your family are most welcome to visit Pakistan again whenever you like. People of Pakistan will remember you for a long time to come.
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