n elegant and festive dinner was hosted by Serena Hotels CEO Aziz Boolani and his wife, alongside Argentine ambassador Rodolfo Martin Saravia and his wife.

The dinner was held in the Nazara Lounge, on the hotel`s executive top floor, with a stunning view of the Diplomatic Enclave and the Margalla Hills from the terrace.

The dinner was held in honour of outgoing Japanese ambassador Hiroshi Inomata and British High Commissioner Philip Barton, each of whom have served in Pakistan for two years.

Mr Inomata said he was sad to leave, as did his wife. Jeannette Seppen, the Dutch ambassador to Pakistan, added: `l`m glad they are going to the Netherlands.

Mr Barton said he felt very welcome in the diplomatic and in the local community when he arrived, and thanked Mr Saravia, the dean of the Diplomatic Corps, as well as Mr Inomata.

Guests also joked about how quickly Mr Barton had taken to golf, a sport he had little experience with prior to arriving in Pakistan.

Mr Barton with return to the Foreign Office in London when he leaves next week. `I hope he finds a good golf course near his office,` his friends joked, noting that golf is an addictive sport that gives one an opportunity to converse in informal surroundings.

Although the event took place on a weekday, it stretched late into the evening. Musicians from among the diplomats kept the guests entertained.

`Even if they weren`t quite professional, the already friendly atmosphere was enhanced by the artists,` a guest said.