In July 1961, President Ayub Khan of Pakistan, accompanied by his daughter Begum Nasim Aurangzeb, paid a state visit to the United States. The invitation came amid Pakistan's concerns that the increasing US aid to India posed a threat to Pakistan. Days before the visit, Ayub had threatened to pull out of the US-backed SEATO pact.

In a news conference in Karachi upon his return, Ayub Khan said Kennedy had promised more military aid to Pakistan and the resolution of the Kashmir problem. But ties between the two allies declined in the following years.

Highlights of the visit included a state dinner at Mt Vernon, a visit to the Islamic Centre of Washington, a ticker tape parade in New York City, a trip to San Antonio where he toured and laid a wreath at The Alamo, and a barbecue at Vice President Johnson's ranch in Stonewall, Texas.

In the picture, US president John F Kennedy and his wife are receiving Ayub and his daughter at the airport. Begum Nasim Aurangzeb, who was married to Miangul Aurangzeb, the Wali of Swat, accompanied her father on state visits because her mother observed purdah.

Comments (3 comments)

This refers to Kamath's comment. Islam does not ask people to dress in a certain way. It asks both men and women to cover themselves decently.

Posted: Sunday, September 18, 2011 by Aftab from Canada

The lady next the general was wearing a saree then. Can it be true? Was it not an un-Islamic dress then?

Posted: Saturday, September 17, 2011 by Kamath from Canada

A good glimpse into history giving the idea of fluctuating relationship between the two allies.

Posted: Friday, September 16, 2011 by sunaila sarwar from Lahore