CHITRAL: Ismaili Muslims from not only Chitral district but also the country are gathering at Garam Chashma in large numbers to have a glimpse of their 49th spiritual leader Prince Karim Aga Khan who is due here in connection with the ongoing celebrations of diamond jubilee of his imamat.

Spacious enclosures named as didaar gaah have been erected at Booni and Garam Chashma with seating capacities of 80,000 and 60,000, respectively, by the volunteers after hectic work of one month.

Aga Khan will deliver special sermons at both the venues.

Both the public and private sector schools will remain closed due to the mass movement of the people while the top hierarchy of the local administration has reached the two points to oversee the arrangements and security.

The Ismaili majority valleys of Yarkhoon, Laspur,Tech, Karimabad, Arkari and Madak Lus area said to be presenting a deserted look as the dwellers, including women and children, have left for Garam Chashma and Booni. Dur Wali Khan, an Ismaili from Laspur, said it was obligatory on followers of the faith to turn up to the place to have a sight of the imam and listen to his sermon.

Published in Dawn, December 9th, 2017