Prince Rahim Aga Khan encourages youth to prepare for global challenges

The visit of Prince Rahim Aga Khan has generated immense enthusiasm among Ismaili community members across Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, with thousands gathering to welcome

His Highness Prince Rahim Al Hussaini Aga Khan V, the 50th Spiritual Leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community, has urged followers to strengthen unity, pursue education, and remain steadfast in faith while addressing a large gathering of the Jamat in Passu during his ongoing five-day visit to Gilgit-Baltistan.

Speaking to community members on Thursday, His Highness emphasized the importance of harmony within families and society, stating that strong and united families form the foundation of a prosperous and happy community.

“When families and communities remain united, they become stronger and happier — and the Imam will also be happy,” he told the gathering.

Addressing the youth in particular, Prince Rahim Aga Khan acknowledged the challenges facing the modern world and encouraged young people to prepare themselves for the future with confidence, awareness, and responsibility. He urged them to think globally and understand the rapidly changing realities of the world.

Highlighting the significance of education, His Highness stressed the importance of learning English as a means of connecting with the wider global community. He advised young people to seek education not only for academic qualifications, but also for personal growth, understanding life, and gaining awareness of global developments.

Prince Rahim Aga Khan also reminded followers that Allah’s guidance is always present, especially during times of difficulty and uncertainty. He encouraged the Jamat to seek peace, strength, and comfort through prayer, remembrance of Allah, and faith.

Concluding his address, His Highness underscored that unity, faith, education, respect for institutions, and service to humanity are essential for the happiness, progress, and well-being of the community.

The gathering in Passu formed part of Prince Rahim Aga Khan’s maiden official visit to Pakistan since assuming the mantle of Imamat last year. During his tour, he is scheduled to attend further religious gatherings and community engagements across Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.

Earlier, after holding key meetings with officials of the Federal Government in Islamabad, the 50th Spiritual Leader of the Shia Imam Ismaili Muslims arrived in Gilgit on Friday morning amid a warm welcome from senior government officials and members of the Ismaili community.

Upon his arrival, His Highness was received by Acting Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan Justice (Retd.) Yar Muhammad, FCNA Commander, Inspector General Gilgit-Baltistan Nasir Khan, other officials of the GB Government, and representatives of the community.

Prince Rahim Aga Khan was accompanied by President of Ismaili Council for Pakistan Mr. Neezar Noor Ali, Director Aga Khan Foundation Mr. Sultan Ali Allana, and Shafiq Sache Dino.

Due to adverse weather conditions, the visit to Gilgit-Baltistan was delayed by one day, and His Highness arrived in the region on May 22 instead of May 21. Following the delayed arrival and cloudy weather, meetings with community members scheduled for Thursday evening and Friday morning were rescheduled.

Local community leadership assured members that a revised schedule for meetings in Gakkuch and Taus would soon be announced.

The spiritual leader was expected to address a large religious gathering locally known as “Deedar” on Friday evening in the Passu area of Gilgit-Baltistan before proceeding to Chitral, where he is scheduled to meet followers residing in Upper and Lower Chitral.

Speaking to this correspondent, Syed Sibtain Shah, a volunteer from Gilgit, said preparations for the historic visit had commenced nearly six months earlier, with volunteers from across the region working collectively to prepare Deedar Gah venues for meetings with the community.

He said marathon events, pipe band performances, musical programmes, and cultural shows were organized across the region to commemorate the occasion.

Another community member, Sultan Mahmood, said both Prince Rahim Aga Khan and his late father, Prince Karim Aga Khan, had worked tirelessly for the progress and development of the northern areas despite numerous challenges.

The visit of Prince Rahim Aga Khan has generated immense enthusiasm among Ismaili community members across Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, with thousands gathering to welcome their spiritual leader during his first official tour of Pakistan as Imam.