Adil Najam
ATP has speculated before that there may be a US-Pakistan ‘falling out of love’ going on right now. The ATP Photo Quiz from this Saturday (15 July, 2006) provides us a nice opportunity to remember the “good ol’ days” and how the two countries fell in love in the first place.
But coming back to the US-Pakistan relations, the relationship is a long-surviving one, but it has been (and remains) a rocky ride. By far the most public, unconditional and affectionate demonstration of this relationship–honeymoon, if you will–was when Pakistan Prime Minister Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan came on a state visit to the US in May 1950. These pictures above show just how much more elaborate that visit was than anything since; in fact, no one visits the US like this anymore.
Nawabzada Liaquat Ali was received at the airport by US President
Harry Truman (pictured), spoke to the US House of Representatives (pictured), was given multiple military parades (pictured), got an honorary degree from Columbia University (pictured), a public parade from the city of New York (pictured), both Nawabzada sahib and begum sahiba visited and spoke at multiple universities, including Raana Liaquat Ali speaking at Wellesley College and the Prime Minister meeting the President of MIT, and much more. Indeed, when he arrived at the airport, the Pakistan Prime Minister was greeted by US President Harry Truman, his wife, their daughter Margaret, and most of the US cabinet.
That was the beginning of a long but stormy friendship that never really became what either side wanted it to be. Aah, how times have changed!
Pictures from the website of the Truman Presidential Museum and Library.
[As it turns out this last ATP Photo Quiz was much more difficult than previous ones though, as you will see, one reader (Naveed) did get both people right and a few others guessed at least one of the two people in the picture. Check out the original ATP Photo Quiz to find who those two were!]
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These are fascinating pictures. Oh, how things have changed!!!!
Fascinating pictures. I wonder how one woudl compare that trip to Musharraf’s recent trip to US. From these pictures its seems Liaquat Ali’s visit was far more sincere on both sides.
Dear FU!
And i was talking about our President’s “Pakistan First” *dream*.
Dear Adnan. I mention “Pakistan First” in the Broader context of National Policies /priorities settings. Would tend to agree it appearing somewhat harmful for Pakistanis living abroad,specially in the west ,but not for Pakistanis living in Pakistan.
Dear FU!
I apologize then:)
that “Pakistan First” sounds cool but yet its appearing very harmful for Pakistanis.
Dear Mr, Ramesh. Maybe you should start this blog you want about your admiration for Gen. Musharraf. I am sure many people will follow it closely. By the way, I also wanted to welcome you from all of us Pakistanis for your change of nationality. I recall that on an earlier thread (on Mumbai) you had been posting as a rather angry Indian citizen (must have been having a bad day). I just wanted to welcome you and appreciate your sudden change of tone and heart.
Guys – I think after LAK’s trip to the United States in the 1950s, I would rate Gen. Pervez Musharaf’s grand reception at Camp David as the next great visit of a Pakistani leader to the United States. It was certainly a high point in Musharraf’s career. Not even an Indian PM has been invited to CD. At that time, the Pakistani media and public did not cover the event very well nor understand the significance of it. But, I’m most certain that history will judge that historic event very differently like we are talking about LAK today. The arrival of Musharraf on the scene has brought pride and prestige to our relationship with America. By his impeccable grasp of world affairs, advocacy for ‘moderate enlightenment or enlightened moderation’ or whatever you want to call it, he is now a recognized leader in the western world. When he pours golden words of wisdon from his mouth, people listen. He is a true leader of Pakistan and will continue to guide us to the destiny we all deserve. I would propose that we start a blog posting on Musharraf and his legacy and his contribution to world peace and US/Pakistan Friendship.
Dear Adnan ,I did not say it was a successful trip. I said the TRAP was Successful. As to what now? I think we have to stand up ,With a balanced policy, not to be taken forgranted by any one.
” Pkistan First ” should be persued by actions and not by mere words.