Shah of Iran in Larkana (1973)

Shahnawaz Bhutto, Mumtaz Ali Bhutto, Shah of Iran Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Ghulam Mustafa Khar and Iranian Ambassador Manouchehr Zelli in Larkana, 1973. It was January when the Shah had made the quiet visit with the purpose of discussing the situation along the Balochistan border. The Baloch insurgency had gained strength after the East Pakistan’s secession in 1971. Iran had given Pakistan full support after Bangladesh and the Shah was concerned that any further unraveling might end Pakistan as its buffer with India. (China and Iran: Ancient Partners in a Post-Imperial World by John W. Garver) Tony Casino, who managed the Hotel Excelsior from 1956 to 1977, recounts how he organised a private cabaret for the Shah when he had gone to the Bhutto hometown. “The Shah really wanted to see Karachi,” Tony explained. “But he had to remain with Mr Bhutto. So Mr Bhutto told the Shah that he would organise to have Karachi come to Larkana. Next thing I know, I’m loading a truck, with a bar, dancers, performers—the works.” (Taken from ‘City of Lights: Nostalgia, violence and Karachi’s competing imaginaries’ by Huma Yusuf).