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.

Published in Dawn, December 8th, 2017