Article by Hans Weber

On 16 July, H.E. Shehryar Akbar Khan, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Czech Republic, together with his wife, welcomed members of the diplomatic corps and numerous representatives of politics, business, culture and the media to a stylish Mango Garden Party at the Ambassador’s new official residence.

The residence is located in the prestigious embassy district of Střešovice (Prague 6), just a short walk from the Embassy of Pakistan. Blessed with beautiful sunshine, the elegant villa and its spacious garden provided a perfect setting for relaxed conversations and networking, reflecting Pakistan’s renowned hospitality.

Among the distinguished political personalities were Ambassadors of Bulgaria, Egypt, Estonia, Ghana, Indonesia, Japan, Netherlands, Turkey, Slovakia and Charge d’ Affaires of Qatar, North Macedonia, Slovenia, Syria, Algeria, USA and Defence Adviser of Turkiye. Director General Economy and Science Diplomacy and Development Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Czech Republic and also senior diplomats from the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Diplomatic Service including former Ambassadors. Director General Foreign Trade Section,  Petr Kavan Ambassador Department of American States and future ambassador to Iraq, Ministry of Industry and Trade of Affairs of Czech Republic and from National Cyber and Information Security Agency alongwith members of Media and other Czech Companies and Business groups and lawyers.. Hans Weber, President of PRAGUE FORUM, attended together with his wife, Lucie Weber.

The undisputed star of the afternoon was the mango, proudly known in Pakistan as the ‘King of Fruits’. Pakistan is one of the world’s leading mango producers and exporters, with famous varieties including Sindhri, Chaunsa, Anwar Ratol, Langra and Dussehri. Their exceptional sweetness, rich aroma and juicy texture have earned them an outstanding international reputation.

Mango cultivation is of enormous economic importance to Pakistan, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs throughout cultivation, harvesting, packaging, transport and export. It is one of the country’s most valuable agricultural export products.

Maintaining premium quality requires careful handling. The fruit is harvested by hand, sorted, rapidly cooled and transported under a strictly controlled cold chain. Premium fruit is often shipped by air, while larger quantities travel in refrigerated containers by sea, ensuring freshness upon arrival in Europe.

The guests also experienced the remarkable versatility of mangoes. Besides being enjoyed fresh, they are used for juices, smoothies, the traditional mango lassi, cocktails, ice cream, sorbets, cakes, cheesecakes, mousses, jams, chutneys, fruit salads, yogurt desserts and sauces for fish, poultry and curry dishes. Unripe mangoes are widely used for spicy pickles and chutneys.

The Mango Garden Party was far more than a summer reception. It showcased Pakistan’s culture, hospitality and agricultural excellence while offering an outstanding opportunity for dialogue among diplomats and friends of Pakistan. With excellent organization, superb cuisine, magnificent mangoes and an elegant setting, the event became one of the highlights of Prague’s diplomatic summer season.