ISLAMABAD: His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad today (December 7) for an official visit to the country on the invitation of the Government of Pakistan.
While in Pakistan, Aga Khan is expected to meet with President Mamnoon Hussain as well as Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, besides other government officials.
This visit is part of a series of visits that coincide with the commemoration of the Aga Khan’s diamond jubilee celebrations which began earlier this year on July 11. The diamond jubilee marks 60 years of Aga Khan as spiritual head of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community. He became the spiritual head of his community on July 11, 1957, after succeeding his grandfather Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan. He assumed the responsibility at the age of 20 and became the 49th Imam of Ismailis.
The Aga Khan Development Network
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) was founded by His Highness Aga Khan. It is a group of private, non-denominational development agencies working to empower communities and individuals to improve living conditions and opportunities, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East.
The network’s agencies focus on economic and social development, and cultural initiatives, for all citizens, regardless of gender, origin or religion. The AKDN’s underlying ethic is compassion for the vulnerable in society. It operates in 30 countries around the world, employing 80,000 people, and its annual budget for social activities exceeds US $900 million.