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The Aga Khan. Shia Ismaili & Muslim Global Community. Institutions, Global Jamat, Organisations. Embracing Islamic History, Art, Culture, Music & Architecture

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His Highness Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V made a historic visit to Pakistan from 20–26 May 2026, including Hunza, Gojal (Passu), and other parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. It was his first major visit to the region since assuming the Imamat in 2025.

A highlight of the visit was the Didar in Passu, Hunza, where approximately 80,000 Ismailis gathered to meet their spiritual leader. Community members had spent months preparing the venue and welcoming arrangements.

For many Ismailis in Hunza and around the world, the 2026 visit was regarded as a deeply significant and emotional occasion, marking the first Didar of the 50th Imam in the region.

Prince Rahim had also previously visited Hunza in June 2024, when he inaugurated a new Software Technology Park in Nasirabad to support digital skills, entrepreneurship, and economic development in the region.

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@TheIsmaili
Mawlana Hazar Imam yesterday presided over the second of two didars at Gahkuch Bala situated in Ishkoman-Punial.

In several Didar locations this week, local families welcomed their Ismailis brothers and sisters who travelled from different parts of the region.

Many murids had to travel such long distances that it took several days to arrive. As they approached the scene, members of the Jamat and friends of the community opened the doors of their homes to provide rest and nourishment. A family in Parwak welcomed 200 other murids from remote villages to their home, so that everyone could participate in the didar together.

Photo Credits: IPL / Farman Karim / Akbar Hakim / Alamgeer Burcha / Adnan Musa

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The Ismaili
Despite unusual and unfavourable weather conditions in the region, Mawlana Hazar Imam was able to travel to Gilgit yesterday to begin a series of visits to the Jamat in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.

Upon arriving in Gilgit, Hazar Imam was received at the airport by the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan Justice (Retired) Yar Muhammad, FCNA Commander Major General Syed Imtiaz Hussain, Justice Ali Baig of the Chief Court of Gilgit-Baltistan along with other senior officials of the Gilgit-Baltistan government and administration and a delegation of Jamati leadership.

Hazar Imam then travelled to Passu, a village in the Hunza region, located near the Pakistan-China border. Tens of thousands of Jamati members had gathered at the outdoor venue with much anticipation and emotion. There, Hazar Imam blessed the Jamat with didar.

Ismailis have been present in this part of the world for centuries, and since the time of Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, Imamat institutions have established numerous initiatives to enhance the quality of life of the Jamat in the region, with an emphasis on access to education.

In recent weeks, Jamati members have taken part in a pledge to Read, Move and Plant as an expression of love, gratitude and commitment to their Imam. Inspiring lifelong learning, promoting active living, and encouraging environmental responsibility, close to 200 million minutes of reading, approximately 75 million minutes of movement and over 130 thousand trees have been pledged as part of the campaign.

Photo credits: IPL / Fazal Hussain / Akbar Hakim / Taseer Beyg / Ali Muhammad / Ali Ahmed

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Aga Khan University @AKUAlumnni
On April 17th, AKU alumni attending the Global Ismaili Health Professionals Conference were honoured by the inspiring presence of our Pro-Chancellor Princess Zahra Aga Khan. Her attendance was a meaningful gesture of recognition for the alumni community and reaffirmed the vision and values at the heart of our institution.

From mentoring current students and supporting scholarships, to leading healthcare, education, and development initiatives around the world, AKU graduates continue to give back in meaningful ways. Whether it’s through community service, knowledge sharing, or driving change in their professions, their commitment reflects the values they carried with them from AKU.

To our alumni – your continued commitment to the AKU mission is what makes evenings like these truly significant.

#AKUAlumnni #AKUSONAM #AKUMC

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Aga Khan University Aga Khan Development Network The Ismaili

Princess Zahra Aga Khan, AKU Pro-Chancellor, joined the 2026 Global Ismaili Health Professionals Conference as Special Guest of Honour in Houston, where she highlighted the critical role of health in driving human development and improving quality of life.

Under the theme “Healthcare Innovation Through Partnerships: Bridging Global Health Challenges,” the conference brought together health professionals from the Ismaili community around the world to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the future of healthcare.

The conference also featured contributions from President Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin and several other AKU healthcare leaders. Dr Shahabuddin reflected on the journey of building academic medical centres in the AKDN health system.

More than 35 alumni from AKU’s Medical College and over 105 alumni from the School of Nursing and Midwifery were in attendance, underscoring the University’s strong global community and influence in the health sector.

Tap the link in bio to learn more.

📷 Photos by @akbarhakimmanji

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Presenting, 'O Mohammad' - a heartfelt ode in the name of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) sung by Ayisha Abdul Basith and Salim Merchant.

This track is a collaboration between #AyishaAbdulBasith and #SalimSulaiman. Subscribe to our channel for more music everyday 🔔

Presented by Merchant Records and GoDaddy India

Singers: Ayisha Abdul Basith, Salim Merchant
Music Composed & Produced by: Salim-Sulaiman
Lyrics: Kamal Haji
Music Co-Produced and Arranged by: Muheet Bharti
Backing Vocals: Rajiv Sundaresan, Muheet Bharti, Aditya Kalway, Suhas Sawant, Yashika Sikka, Darshana Menon, Umesh Joshi, Janardan Dhatrak, Aditi Prabhudesai, Dattatray Mestri, Deepti Rege, Archana Gore
Mixed and Mastered by: Muheet Bharti at Blue Productions
Distributed by Global Music Junction, Warner Music India

https://t.co/q00ZMOmYcv

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https://t.co/JZgM0nyOu2

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The Ismaili
Welcome to a special edition of The Ismaili Update as the Jamat in Canada celebrates the arrival of Mawlana Hazar Imam. Join our host Rahima from Ottawa for today’s highlights, including Mawlana Hazar Imam’s meeting with the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada.

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The Ismaili
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and His Excellency Mr Whit Fraser hosted a dinner for Mawlana Hazar Imam yesterday at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. The dinner was attended by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and several current and former leaders of the country.

As part of Hazar Imam’s first official visit to Canada, the event marked a milestone in the longstanding relationship between Canada and the Ismaili Imamat, grounded in shared values and a sustained commitment to building a better world.

Reflecting on the the partnership, Hazar Imam said: “My late father, who many of you knew well, had a strong belief in—and affection for—Canada, for its people, its values, its steadfast commitment to upholding the fundamental principles of respect, dignity, and pluralism. It is my intention to continue to strengthen and build on this valued relationship and to make available all of the capabilities of the Imamat in our work together.”

Over five decades, this partnership has produced tangible outcomes in capacity building, economic development and the strengthening of civil society across some of the world’s most challenging environments.

“Many of the guests gathered here tonight have dedicated their lives to pluralism and peace. So too has the Ismaili community in Canada,” said Governor General Mary Simon. “In today’s global context, your work—and the values we share—stand as a stabilizing force. For this, and for our continued partnership and friendship, we thank you.”

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Carney and Hazar Imam released a joint declaration outlining new partnerships in housing, economic development and other areas of mutual interest, setting the stage for renewed collaboration.

Photo credits: AKDN / Akbar Hakim

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The Ismaili
On Parliament Hill in Ottawa earlier today, Mawlana Hazar Imam and the Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney released a Joint Declaration announcing new partnerships to improve housing affordability in Canada and collaborate on economic development programming internationally.

Prime Minister Carney welcomed Hazar Imam to Canada and thanked him for his leadership and contributions to global development and governance. He also spoke of the strong ties between Canada and the Ismaili community, which stretch back more than 50 years.

“There are over 120,000 Ismailis in Canada,” said Prime Minister Carney. “They make an enormous contribution to our country, much greater than even that large number [would suggest] - building our communities, entrepreneurship, but also a true commitment to education, to faith of course, but also to development.”

Photo credits: Akbar Hakim / Tia MacPherson

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Grateful to join PM @markjcarney and colleagues from the Muslim Caucus for Iftar at the South Nepean Muslim Centre Mosque earlier this week.

Ramadan is a time for reflection, generosity, and community. May this holy month continue to bring our communities closer. Ramadan Kareem.

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Ismaili Council for Canada President, Ameerally Kassim-Lakha; and a delegation of Jamati leaders.

Photo credits: IPL / Akbar Hakim

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The Ismaili
This afternoon, Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived in the Canadian capital for a seven-day visit during which he will spend time with his Jamats across Eastern Canada.

He was warmly welcomed by Sébastien Carrière, Chief of Protocol of Canada; The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, and Minister responsible for Official Languages; Dr Mahmoud Eboo, Representative of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat to Canada; The Honourable Farah Mohamed, Senator of Canada; Taleeb Noormohamed, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation; Ismaili Council for Canada President, Ameerally Kassim-Lakha; and a delegation of Jamati leaders.

While in Canada, Hazar Imam will meet with senior leaders of the country in Ottawa. He will also participate in the groundbreaking of a new Jamatkhana in the Greater Montreal Area, and the inauguration of a multigenerational housing unit in Toronto.

Preparations have been underway for weeks, and volunteers have been working tirelessly to ensure a smooth and memorable experience for all. Amidst celebrations, workshops, and planning sessions, Jamati members of all ages have given their time, energy and devotion to prepare to welcome Hazar Imam to Canada.

Photo credits: IPL / Akbar Hakim

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@globalnews
Marking his first visit to Canada, the 50th Ismaili Imam, Prince Rahim al-Hussaini – known formally as the Aga Khan – met with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ottawa on Thursday.

Carney posed for photos with the leader of the Shia Nizari Ismaili Muslims while delivering a brief message on the importance of the “historic day” to reporters before the two engaged in a private conference.

The PM praised Canada’s120,000-strong Ismaili population for its cultural and economic contributions, while the Aga Khan commended Carney’s leadership amid tumultuous global affairs, claiming it is “needed more than ever.”

Additionally, Carney revealed David Lametti – the UN’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada – will be named as Canada’s official representative to the Ismaili Imam.
https://t.co/6MPEYomakK

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@TheIsmaili
This afternoon, Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived in the Canadian capital for a seven-day visit during which he will spend time with his Jamats across Eastern Canada.

He was warmly welcomed by Sébastien Carrière, Chief of Protocol of Canada; The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, and Minister responsible for Official Languages; Dr Mahmoud Eboo, Representative of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat to Canada; The Honourable Farah Mohamed, Senator of Canada; Taleeb Noormohamed, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation; Ismaili Council for Canada President, Ameerally Kassim-Lakha; and a delegation of Jamati leaders.

Photo credits: IPL / Akbar Hakim

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@LtGovAB
Seeing so many Canadian flags proudly waving at Milano Cortina is a reminder of the respect our country enjoys all around the world, and how the Maple Leaf has become a universally recognized symbol of freedom and pride. Happy National Flag of Canada Day!

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Music video: Nur un ala Nur
An emotive piece describing "the rope that carries the light that flows."

Video: https://t.co/azszNeae5P

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Mawlana Hazar Imam meets UK Prime Minister, signs partnership agreement with UK More: https://t.co/DMEaTohJqw