Bahawalpur (TDI): The German Defense Attaché to Pakistan, Colonel (GS) Christian Ziese, is currently making the most of his holiday season to explore the rich culture and history of Pakistan.
He recently accidentally met national youth taekwondo champion Fatima Razzq while visiting Bahawalpur’s famous Derawar Fort on a personal excursion.
Having been Germany’s Defense Attaché based in Islamabad since 2022, Colonel Ziese is well-regarded for his defense diplomacy work and keenness on regional matters.
The 🇩🇪 Defence Attaché, Colonel (GS) Christian Ziese is exploring 🇵🇰 during his holidays. At Derawar Fort, he had a surprising “meeting encounter” with PAK taekwondo youth champion Fatima Razzq from #Bahawalpur. He was impressed by her talent.#PakGermanDosti zindabad pic.twitter.com/lQb0zbY30o
— German Embassy Islamabad (@GermanyinPAK) August 7, 2025
However, the current visit highlights a more private aspect of his stay in Pakistan, one moving beyond his official schedule to connect with the people and culture of the nation. Though unplanned, the visit gave the Defense Attaché a chance to hear about the success of indigenous talent.
Fatima has represented her region in several competitions, showing discipline and technical ability within a sport that is growing in popularity across Pakistan, especially among youth and among female players.
Fatima’s success in taekwondo follows on from growing interest among Pakistanis in other sports disciplines, and young athletes, particularly women, are breaking barriers in once underrepresented sports.
Her journey from the ancient city of Bahawalpur to national stardom is a reflection of how youth sport in the country is changing. Derawar Fort, located some 130 kilometers south of Bahawalpur in the Cholistan Desert, is the most renowned historic monument in Pakistan.
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It was constructed during the 9th century and later rebuilt in the 18th century by the Nawabs of Bahawalpur. The fort is renowned for its colossal square building and 40 prominent bastions visible for miles on the desert skyline.
Although the visit was private, such visits have a soft diplomatic impact in giving international relations a more human and endearing face.
This encounter helped to strengthen the case for people-to-people contact in fostering cross-cultural links between Pakistan and its international friends.
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