Bashir Ahmed; a Camel man from Pakistan had friendship with American Vice President Lyndon Johnson during 1961. They became friends when Johnson visited Pakistan before Bashir’s Tour to the US.
During a goodwill mission to Karachi, Pakistan in 1961. Then-Vice President Lyndon Baines Johnson invited camel man Bashir Ahmed Sarban. Whom Johnson encountered on the side of the road, to visit the United States. Little did anyone expect that Ahmad would take the Vice President up on his offer. What followed was a most unusual state visit as Sarban found himself greeted at the airport by Johnson and a curious press corps.
During his week-long stay, Sarban toured New York City, Kansas City (where he met former president Harry S. Truman), and Washington, D.C. Lady Bird Johnson accompanied him on his tour of the nation’s capital, visiting many sites such as the White House. Though Sarban spoke no English, he reportedly consistently stunned the press and all those he encountered with his wise and humorous comments relayed through translators. This footage captures Sarban’s visit to the United States as he tours the nation with a wide smile. Including his welcome by Johnson and a few shots of his family and camel back in Karachi.
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Finally, just as he was about to depart from the U.S. on his jet-propelled magic carpet ride back to Pakistan. Bashir got a telegram from Lyndon Johnson that moved him to tears. Wired L.B.J.: “Since your return to Pakistan takes you so close to Mecca. Arrangements have been made through the People-to-People program for you to visit there”. This act of friendship brought tears to the eyes of the destitute camel driver who cried out: “Allah-o-Akbar (Allah be praised!)”
Bashir returned home with precious gifts and love from his American hosts to cherish that one shake hand at Karachi, which made him headlines both home and aboard. But that was not the end. He was invited to the Rose Garden of the presidency in Rawalpindi when Jacky Kennedy visited Pakistan in 1963. Bashir dressed in the traditional national dress brought his camel along, and Mrs. Kennedy had a photo session with Bashir and his camel.