ISLAMABAD: Prince Karim Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of
the Shia Ismaili Muslims, arrived in Islamabad on an official visit to
the country on the invitation of President Mamnoon Hussain on Thursday.
He
was received at the airport by Minister for Foreign Affairs Khowaja
Mohammad Asif, Minister for Capital Administration and Development
Division (CADD) Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and Mayor of Islamabad Sheikh
Anser Aziz.
During his visit, the Aga Khan is expected
to meet the president as well as Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and
other government leaders.
The visit is part of a series of visits that coincide with the Aga Khan’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
The diamond jubilee marks the 60th anniversary of his
Imamat of the Ismaili community. On July 11, 1957, at the age of 20, the
Aga Khan succeeded his grandfather as the 49th Imam of the Ismailis.
The
Ismaili community sees the diamond jubilee as an opportunity to provide
hope for the future of populations that may be marginalised or
vulnerable.
