Jackie’s visit: ‘Paks are clearly captivated’ (1962)

In March 1962, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy (1929-1994) made a short visit to Pakistan. She is photographed here on a visit to children at Jinnah hospital in Karachi on March 25, 1962. The photographer was Cecil W. Stoughton (1920-2008). This image is part of archival materials collected by the office of President John F. Kennedy's secretary, Evelyn Lincoln, concerning the first lady's trip. The folder contains telegrams from Under Secretary of State George W. Ball and Ambassador to Pakistan Walter P. McConaughy on details of the trip and Pakistani women's reactions to Mrs. Kennedy's presence in the country. One document reads, for example: "She received stirring welcome in Rawalpindi from crowd many of whom had been waiting for several hours. Thousands of people lined road entire distance from airport to guest house, substantial percentage of 300,000 population this city proportion of women among greeters again unusually high for Muslim country. After President Ayub's garden party celebrating Pakistan Day, program here concluded with president's dinner for about 35. Mostly cabinet members and wives held in warm and informal atmosphere. Her energy and vivacity show no sign of flagging despite heavy demands on her. Paks are clearly capitvated."