Bye, Bye Qazis
I have known Ashraf Jehangir Qazi almost since the day he arrived in Delhi about fiveyears ago. I met him for the first time at Khushwant Singh’s place. Khushwant’shome is often the first port of call in Delhi for the newly-arrived diplomats. And it isfitting that the last farewell party for Qazi was also given by Khushwant!
Qazi is very likeable and suave, the most charming diplomat I have ever met with thepossible exception of Samar Sen who represented India at the UN many years ago. You maynot agree with Qazi but you can’t help admire the way he puts across his views. Thatis probably why the MEA has finally asked him to leave. It could not have been comfortablewith his success in New Delhi’s political, media and social circles. He articulatesPakistan’s position extremely well without being abrasive. And yes, he is also greaton television.
The two aspects of his personality—the professional and the personal—neverseem to clash. He was very well-liked in Delhi. It’s ironical because India-Pakistanrelations are at an all-time low and nobody I know agrees with his government’s pointof view. But then in the Delhi party circuit an ambassador’s personality determineshis popularity, not the country he represents. The Russian or the Chinese ambassadors arenot so sought-after but those from Belgium and Austria are just all over the place.
Qazi has a charming wife and two lovely daughters who were the toast of thecapital’s young party scene. Qazi was afraid that the picture of Khushwant kissinghis daughter in a grandfatherly way would be taken amiss in Pakistan but it was NawazSharif himself who told him to ignore it and laughed it away.
I am sorry to see him go. I believe it is all the more important to keep the lines ofcommunication open between countries at times of crisis.
