The year-long celebration
commencing from 11th July, 2017 to 11 July, 2018, marks the Diamond Jubilee of
the imamat of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary Imam
(spiritual leader) of the Shia Imami Muslim Community. The commemoration of the
Diamond Jubilee is in keeping with the Community's longstanding tradition of
marking historic milestones.
Driven by the ethics of faith and
the imam's hereditary responsibility to improve quality of life, His Highness
has been at the forefront of innovation and development during the 60 years of
his imamat. He is the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network
(AKDN), one of the most comprehensive development network today, with over
10.000 employees. The AKDN operates in over 30 countries, principally in
Central and South Asia, Eastern and Western Africa and the Middle East.
Inspired by the islamic ethic of
compassion and responsibility of care for the needy, the AKDN works for the
Muslim Ummah and the societies within which they live, addressing key
challenges related to human development regardless of gender, origin, or
religion. The AKON institutions have mandates ranging from health and educalion
to architecture, microfinance, disaster reduction, rural development, promotion
of private-sector enterprise and the revitalisation of historic cities all of
which are catalysts for socio-economic development. Together, they contribute
towards building a vibrant civil society that caters to the needs of vulnerable
segments. The AKDN works in close partnership with public and private
institutions, including governments, international organisations, NGOs, and
universities
The AKON operates more than 200
health care institution, 2 universities and 200 schools in some of the most
remote and disadvantaged parts of the developing world. Each year, among
numerous interventions, the AKDN provides quality health care to 5,000,000
people, introduces school improvement programmes for 2.000.000 studerits from
preschool to university level, generates electricity for 10,000,000 people, and
helps 8,000,000 achieve greater food security and raise household incomes
During the 60 years of imamat,
the AKDN institutions in Pakistan have made significant contributions in the
social, economic and cultural development of the country.
The AKDN provides vital medical
and educational facilities to a large segment of the country's vulnerable
popolation. The Aga Khan University Hospital and related medical facilities
have proven to be a game changer in raising the quality of health care in
Pakistan. It continues to be the beacon for medical breakthrough with renowned
medical facilities and a highly reputed medical school.
The Aga Khan also established the
first Aga Khan School in Gwader in 1905. Since then, education facilities under
the AKDN have expanded to more than 160 schools operating in some of the most
remote areas of Pakistan, The AKON in Pakistan is artiongat the first to
recognise the critical, long term impact of Early Childhood Development, and
has thus implemented innovative and interactive programmes in its schools.
Aga Khan Rural Support Programme,
established in 1982 by the Aga Khan Foundation, has greatly improved the
socio-economic conditions in the rural areas of Pakistan, through rural
development projects such as training to improve skills and creating access to
finance, and the provision of facilities resulting in access to clean water and
electricity.
AKDN projects to restore
historical forts and monuments such as the Walled City of Lahore have not only
helped preserve culture but also encouraged tourism and economic development in
rural and urban areas of Pakistan.
In 2006. His Highness and the
Canadian govemment established the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa with
the goal to advance respect for diversity worldwide, with a belief that
openness towards, and understanding of cultures, social structures, values and
faiths of other peoples is essential to the survival of an interdependent
world. His Highness believes diversity should inspire, not divide, and that
enhancing pluralism is a crucial building block for constructing peaceful and
successful civil societies
Decorations, Awards and Degress
In recognition of his exceptional
efforts and contributions to human development and improving the social condition
of societies-globalfy, His Highness has, over the last six decades, received
numerous decorations, honorary degrees and awards from institutions and
governments around the world. In Pakistan, His Highness has been awarded the
following honours:
Ø Nishan-e-Imtiaz
(1970)
Ø Nishan-e-Pakistan
-Pakistan (1983)
Ø LLD
(honoris causa) University of Peshawar (1967)
Ø LLD
(honoris causa) University of Sindh (1970)
Ø Honorary
Membership, Pakistan Medical dical Associaton (1981)
Ø Honorary
Fellowship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) (1985)
On Diamond Jubilee of His Highness The Aga Khan (1967-2017), the Commemorative Postage Stamps of Rs. 10/- denomination is (Slat of 6) are being issued by Pakistan Post on December 08, 2017
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