GILGIT: The 55th birthday anniversary of His Highness Shah Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, the 50th Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, was celebrated in various parts of Gilgit-Baltistan on Monday.

The government had announced a local holiday on the occasion. The birthday celebrations were held in Hunza, Gilgit, Ghizer and other areas with full joy and enthusiasm.

Functions were held at Jamat Khanas, prayers were offered, and cake-cutting ceremonies were organised. Markets, shops, homes, religious centres and roads in Hunza and various areas of Gilgit and Ghizer were decorated. People, wearing traditional dresses and caps, participated in the events.

They also distributed dishes, food and sweets among family members and friends and banners were displayed. This was the second birthday of Prince Rahim Aga Khan celebrated by the Ismaili community after he assumed the responsibility as the 50th Imam.

In a post on the official page of The Ismaili, it was stated: “On 12 October 2026, Ismailis around the world celebrate the 55th birthday of our present living Imam, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan. Born in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1971, he succeeded his father to become the 50th Imam at the age of 53. It is an occasion to reflect on the unique spiritual bond that links each murid to the Imam-of-the-Time.”

It added: “In his Takht-nishini Farman on 11 February 2025, Hazar Imam pledged to dedicate his life to care for the spiritual and material well-being of the Ismaili Jamat. He has taken on the leadership of many institutions established by his father, including the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the Institute of Ismaili Studies and the Jamat’s social governance institutions.”

GB Governor Syed Mehdi Shah, Chief Minister Amjad Hussain Advocate, political party leaders, ministers, assembly members and civil society activists extended congratulations on the birthday of Prince Rahim Aga Khan.

The chief minister extended greetings to the Ismaili community across the world, particularly those residing in Gilgit-Baltistan. In a message, the chief minister expressed his best wishes for Prince Rahim’s health, safety, long life and continued success. He said the ongoing efforts of Prince Rahim Aga Khan for human welfare, social development, education, healthcare and economic stability would receive further impetus.

“GB is a region where sustained efforts are needed to improve education, healthcare, access to basic facilities and economic opportunities. In this context, the services of the AKDN and its affiliated institutions are of immense importance,” he said.

The Chief minister added that the AKDN and its affiliated institutions had played a prominent role in promoting education, healthcare, rural development, economic activities and social welfare in various parts of Pakistan, including Gilgit-Baltistan.

“Their contributions are particularly commendable in providing basic facilities to people in remote and underdeveloped areas and improving their quality of life.” He said cooperation between the government and these institutions can make the development process in the region more effective and result-oriented.

The chief minister expressed the hope that Prince Rahim Aga Khan would continue to advance the teachings, vision and philanthropic traditions of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, while pursuing efforts to eradicate poverty, provide quality education and healthcare, promote peace and stability, foster interfaith harmony and strengthen brotherhood across the world.

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari also congratulated His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan on his 55th birthday. In a message, the president said:“I extend my warm felicitations to His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan on his birthday. I appreciate the valuable contributions of the Aga Khan Development Network and the Aga Khan Foundation in Pakistan and around the world, particularly in health, education, women’s empowerment and sustainable livelihoods. I wish him good health and continued success in his endeavours to improve lives.”

Published in Dawn, October 13th, 2026