PESHAWAR: Seldom in the history of the rugged Khyber Pass has a reception so vivid, heart-warming and spontaneous been accorded to a foreign dignitary as was the case this morning [April 23] when King Faisal bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia drove through the history-making Khyber Pass up to Torkham, on the Pakistan-Afghan border.

Hours before the distinguished guests’ arrival, tribesmen from all walks of life, young and old, high and low, lined the route from Jamrud to Torkham, a distance of 26 miles.

With rifles across their broad shoulders and dressed in their Sunday best the sturdy tribesmen of Pakistan were raising full-throated slogans of “Allah-o-Akbar”, “King Faisal Zindabad”, “President Ayub Zindabad” and “Unity between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Zindabad” while waving flags and reciting Kalima-i-Taiyaba.

Amidst thunderous applause, the custodian of the Holy Ka’aba alighted from his car at Bab-i-Khyber, Jamrud, accompanied by President Mohammad Ayub Khan, Malik Amir Mohammad Khan, West Pakistan Governor, Khan Habibullah Khan, Provincial Revenue Minister, Divisional Commissioner, Peshawar, and scores of high-ranking civil and military officers.

President Ayub Khan escorted him to the platform where, under a shamiana, tribal Maliks from all the leading 11 clans of Khyber Agency had gathered to welcome the King.

The honourable guest was received by Khan Fakhruz Zaman Khan, Political Agent, Khyber, who introduced the tribal elders to His Majesty.

The distinguished guest who was profusely garlanded by tribesmen, seemed deeply touched by the reception. Smilingly, he acknowledged the greetings and waved affectionately.

King Faisal later on drove to Torkham with the party. All along the way hundreds of decorated gates bedecked with a variety of flowers, bunting and banners, presented a superb spectacle.

The Khyber Pass echoed and re-echoed with the thunderous shouts and one felt as if the centuries-old pass had come to life.

At Ali Masjid, Zintara, and Landi Kotal enthusiastic crowds broke through the cordons.

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2016