In an endearing video posted on their official Facebook page, the US Consulate of Pakistan harks back to the chance meeting of late Pakistani camel cart man Bashir Ahmad Sarban and then US vice president Lyndon Johnson in 1961 that blossomed into a sound friendship. Johnson later went on to become the president of America from 1963-1969.

The video begins with one of Bashir's sons saying, "It is said that Americans are really nice people and that they do what they've promised."

US vice president Lyndon Johnson shakes hands with Pakistani camel man Bashir Ahmad Sarban. — Still from the video

The son narrates that his father was carrying goods in his cart when he encountered a rush at Karzaz and discovered that it was because of the US vice president's arrival in Karachi.

"The vice president glimpsed my father from a distance and came to shake hands and then asked him whether he would be friends with him." Sarban said yes and was also issued an invitation to visit America.

His subsequent visit to the US culminated in a lifelong relationship that lasted well till they both died.

Told through piecemeal footage, newspaper clippings and pictures, the video shows the heartwarming friendship that transcended national boundaries.

Speaking to Dawn.com via telephone, Cultural Attache Griffin Rozell says the US consulate has a broad mandate, especially through their Facebook page, to promote people-to-people ties, and to show friendships between actual Pakistanis and Americans.

"One of our colleagues found this footage and we thought it is an amazing story that a lot of people don't remember which we would like to share with our audience."

"We want to continue to produce these videos and highlight the ways individuals can become friends by overcoming boundaries."