On the sunny day of 23 January 1958 a large crowd gathered in a colourful assembly in the National Stadium of Karachi. To the sound of music played by the tuxedoed musicians of the Prince Aly Khan Orchestra, women in gleaming and flowing attire, men wearing elaborate headgear and playful children awaited in trepidation on the stands. At last a controlled commotion in the middle of the pitch signalled the beginning of the extraordinary ceremony that the joyful crowd had come to witness. High dignitaries in their fineries carrying the Holy Qur'an, the ceremonial sword of justice and other insignia flanked and followed a handsome young man as he made his way towards the centre of the pitch where a pulpit had been built for the occasion.

Walking by the young man's left side was a statuesque woman, with her head uncovered, wearing a stunning white sari, which further enhanced her mature beauty. The young man climbed alone to the top of the pulpit and, with great composure, reached its centre. A high dignitary presented him with the copy of the Holy Qur'an, thus marking the formal beginning of the ceremony. As the Holy Book was handed over, all those present lowered their heads and covered their faces at once: the women concealed their gaze under the most ornate veils, the men shadowed their faces with garlands made of flowers and coloured paper.