ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Austria Ms Andrea Wicke on behalf of the President of Austria, on Thursday, conferred on the Protocol Office of the embassy, Ashraf Khan ‘Decoration of Honour in Gold for Services to Austria.’
The citation she read out on the occasion on behalf of the President of Austria, stated the medal was presented to Ashraf Khan in appreciation of his resolve and dedication to the embassy of Austrian, her country, and in strengthening Austria ties with Pakistan.
One of the reasons Khan’s father was also associated with the Embassy of Austria, he also worked honestly and is deeply connected with the embassy, the citation stated. Ashraf Khan initially taken in as assistant, learned rapidly and due to his understanding and professional capability soon became an indispensable pillar for the embassy combining almost all its institutional knowledge with great practice and diplomatic skills.
The envoy also acknowledged Khan’s extraordinary skills as he almost achieved the desired goals wherever possible. His valuation of contacts based on the wealth of experience has often put the embassy of Austria on the right path in building ties that are very fruitful for it works.
In 2021, the embassy of Austria was also able to take benefit significantly from his network, language skills as well as experience during the evacuation of the Austrian citizens from Afghanistan. She also lauded Khan’s skills in dealing with press and said he was always up to date regarding Pakistan, its political development, current situation and sent timely warnings in time.
Due to these outstanding services to Austria, Khan is awarded ‘Decoration of Honour in Gold for services to Austria.”
Following reading the citation, Ambassador Wicke also addressed Ashraf Khan directly and acknowledged that his contributions were nothing short of extraordinary. She said, “You have actually been a resolute pillar of support and your efforts have meaningfully strengthened relations between our embassy and our Pakistani interlocutors at every levels from highest political to education, culture, artists, tourism. “This is very outstanding. This decoration is a token of Austrians’ appreciation for your remarkable services and dedication.”
On a personal note, the Ambassador said for her it was an especially joyful event as from her first day in the embassy, she not only had that great support but he became very dear to her heart too.
Khan’s journey started with the Austrian embassy around 30 years ago and from the very beginning he showed exceptional work ethics and an indomitable spirit.
On the occasion, Ashraf expressed gratitude to the envoy, the Austrian government and its people for the esteemed recognition. He said, “This honour not only represents a personal achievement but also underlines a strong bond of friendship and cooperation between the Austrian embassy and the Pakistani interlocutors. He thanked his parents, his wife Rozina whose ‘encouragement and belief in me has been the bedrock of my journey.”
