French envoy, friends pay glowing farewell tribute to outgoing political & press counselor
ZUBAIR QURESHI
Ambassador Nicolas Galey of France, Friday evening, paid glowing tribute to his colleague, Political Counsellor and Head of the Political & Press Section at the Embassy of France, Henry Sokrarith who is completing his 4-year term and leaving Pakistan soon in the first week of August. The ambassador described him as a diplomat distinguished by “hard work, sincerity and modesty.”
The event held at the Movenpick Hotel, Centaurus Islamabad drew a large gathering of diplomats, members of civil society, media representatives, human rights advocates and Team France, reflecting Sokrarith’s popularity and the strong professional relationships he built during his four-year tenure in Pakistan.
Among those present were Deputy Head of Mission (DHM) France Mr Jean-Charles Allard, Vietnam’s Ambassador Pham Anh Tuan, Austrian Embassy DHM Mr Hannes Machor, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Secretary General Harris Khalique, Senior Policy Adviser at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office Stacy Veld-Blundell, minority rights advocate Pirbhu Lal Satyani, Centre for Law & Justice Executive Director Mary James Gill, children’s and women’s rights activist Valerie Khan, a prominent voice for transgender rights Nayyab Ali, German Embassy’s First Secretary for Culture and Education Mr Jan Gerald Krausser, Political Counsellor at the High Commission of Canada Fenny Hum, Dr Pervez Hoodbhoy, Prof Tahir Malik, Adviser Education Alliance Francaise Islamabad (AFI) Ms Helen Valat and other distinguished guests.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Galey praised Sokrarith’s professional excellence and personal qualities. Sokrarith is a diplomat of multiple qualities, but I would particularly mention three of them: He is hardworking, sincere and modest, he said, adding with a tinge of humour that such qualities are rarely found together in a diplomat.
The ambassador also commended Sokrarith’s efficiency, writing skills and dedication in handling the demanding portfolios of politics, media and human rights, noting that these responsibilities required constant vigilance and commitment. He further acknowledged Sokrarith’s role as the embassy’s focal point on gender equality and praised his exemplary character.
Wishing him success in the next phase of his career, Ambassador Galey said Sokrarith would soon be joining the Human Resources Department of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs as Counsellor.
In his farewell remarks, Henry Sokrarith described his four-year posting in Pakistan as a memorable chapter marked by lasting friendships and invaluable experiences. He thanked Ambassador Galey, his colleagues at the French embassy and other missions, above all his many Pakistani friends for their support throughout his assignment.
“I will always remember the kindness, warmth and hospitality of the Pakistani people,” Sokrarith said adding “I am leaving with wonderful memories to cherish and look forward to this new professional adventure. I hope to meet my Pakistani friends again in France or elsewhere in the world.”
The farewell reception celebrated Sokrarith’s contributions to strengthening France-Pakistan relations and recognized his engagement with Pakistan’s diplomatic, media and civil society communities during his tenure.
