The Ismaili community across Pakistan on Wednesday celebrated the 87th birthday of their 49th spiritual leader Prince Karim Aga Khan.
Various events were held within the Ismaili community across the country to celebrate his life and contribution to Pakistan and the Muslim community at large.
Prince Karim Aga Khan is the grandson of Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III, who was a champion of the Muslim emancipation movement that eventually culminated in the creation of the state of Pakistan.
While he traces his roots to Egypt, his forefather moved to Iran and then to Sindh. Prince Karim Aga Khan's great-great-grandfather, Aga Hassan Ali Shah, is said to have settled in the town of Jhirk in Thatta district of Sindh in 1843. Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III was the first President of the All India Muslim League.
Often referred to as the "cordial well-wisher" of Pakistan, his followers are based in different parts of Pakistan, including in the northern areas of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Chitral, and the southern districts of Thatta, Sujawal, Hyderabad, Badin and Tandoallahiyar in Sindh, have been significantly contributing to the social and economic development of this country.
Over the years, Prince Karim Aga Khan has remained at the forefront whenever Pakistan needed him. He set up a network of institutions under the umbrella of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which has played a vital role in the country's development.
Apart from the AKDN, he set up a microfinance bank for the sustainable livelihood of poor people. The Aga Khan University has recently launched a research project in Matiari, apart from making significant advancements in the health sector in different parts of the country.
He provided assistance to the Pakistan government during the cyclone of 1999, the earthquake in 2006 in Azad Kashmir, and the flash floods of 2010.
His institutions supported the government in getting off the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.
Representing the Muslim community worldwide, he portrays a positive image of humanity by working in education, healthcare, refugee rights and preserving cultural heritage.