KARACHI, Dec 7: Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan has announced allotment of 500-acre land in Karachi for the educational projects sponsored by the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) .

He made the announcement at a reception hosted by him Saturday night at Governor House in honour of Prince Karim Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Ismaeli community.

The governor appreciated the services rendered by the AKF and its contribution to the health and education sectors.

He assured all possible assistance to the Foundation.Dr Ibad also hailed the commitment of the Foundation to the socio-economic development and support to the poor people of the country and pointed out that the government had also taken a number of measures to improve the standard of life of the masses.

He said that all the stakeholders were being involved in the development programmes initiated in various sectors of the economy by the government.

Speaking on the occasion, Prince Karim Aga Khan appreciated the governor’s generous offer. He presented a brief overview of the future post-graduate education projects of the Foundation.

I attach importance to this city, as well as the province, also because it is the birth place of my grandfather, said the Aga Khan.

He highlighted the significance of culture and heritage of Sindh and said that he would remember the hospitality of the people of the province.

He said that Aga Khan University and Hospital, established in the city, was of great importance not only for the country but for the entire region.

The reception was attended by Chief Minister Ali Mohammad Mahar, federal and provincial ministers, Chief Justice of Sindh High Court Syed Saeed Ashhad, Corps Commander Karachi Lt-Gen Tariq Wasim Ghazi, President of the Aga Khan University Shams Kassim Lakha, Chief Secretary Dr Mutawakkil Qazi, and notables, intellectuals and elite of the city.

Earlier, the governor welcomed Prince Karim Aga Khan and Princess Zahra and appreciated their commitment to the development and prosperity of Pakistan and its people.

“Sindh has always been paid personal attention by Prince Karim Aga Khan, and citizens of this province have benefited a lot from his efforts aimed at bringing about a remarkable changes in their lifestyle.”

Governor Ibad apprised the Aga Khan that the government was focusing on four sectors — good governance, revival of economy, political restructuring and poverty alleviation. “We are making headway in implementing the programmes ensuring far-reaching results and all this is being done taking along all the stakeholders.”

The Aga Khan also held a separate meeting with the governor on Sunday and discussed different matters. He offered special thanks for the cooperation extended by President Musharraf and Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali. —PPI