WASHINGTON: The charm of Bashir Ahmad conquered the White House today. In the wake of kings and statesmen the camel driver from Pakistan met President Kennedy and emerged from the conference describing him as the man of the world.

Bashir went to the White House on a special tour conducted by Lady Bird Johnson, wife of Mr Lyndon Johnson, the US Vice-President and his host on his triumphal tour of the USA.

The swarthy-moustached camel driver wearing the immaculate black and white Pakistani traditional dress delighted everybody he met in the Presidential Mansion until President Kennedy himself departed from his schedule to meet Bashir for five minutes.

The meeting between the President and the camel driver was private but, according to the remarks later by officials, and the interpreter accompanying Bashir, the conversation went on for some time.

President Kennedy: “Have you had a good trip?”

Bashir: “I have had a wonderful trip sir, and I thank you for having sent Vice-President Johnson on a trip to Pakistan which enabled me to come here.”

Bashir flashed a brilliant smile as he left Mr Kennedy’s office flanked by nearly all of the White House staff ranging from butlers, maids and guards to the President’s most trusted advisers.

Earlier yesterday Bashir took a look at the Capital of the United States and turned out to be a philosopher-diplomat.

A-energy centre to open today

LAHORE: President Ayub Khan will inaugurate the country’s first Atomic Energy Research and Training Centre at the Ferozepur Road here today.