Ismailis in Action

Nahida Bibi, a 27-year-old from Sultanabad, Yasin, embodies the success of a businesswoman; one who starts with small investments and big hopes to establish themselves as a successful entrepreneur.

Hailing from Hundur, a remote valley of Yasin in Gilgit-Baltistan, Noor ul Ain is a student at the Ismailia Youth Service (IYS) in Karachi. She is an alumnus of the Bridge Programme and now mentor students at the Gahkuch Bridge Camp 2023. From the humble beginnings as a student of the Bridge Programme to becoming an advisor, her journey is an inspiration and shows the positive impact of the Aga Khan Education Board’s initiative of improving quality of life through education.

According to the United Nations (UN), climate change poses a threat to virtually every aspect of life on Earth, from human health and livelihoods to ecosystems and infrastructure. The fact that there has been a substantial increase in severe heatwaves, droughts and wildfires over the past few years is a testament to the urgency of the climate crisis we are amidst. International forums have started to stress on the desperate need for global action to address the impact of climate change and promote sustainable practices. Mawlana Hazar Imam has also been a vocal advocate for environmental sustainability, stating, “The consequences of climate change, if unchecked, will be catastrophic for all humanity and for the natural world we rely on.”

Leaders are often described as those whose primary role is providing guidance; however, the past few years have proved to be an eye-opener as it brought to light the different attributes necessary for a leader to possess. A more precise role of a leader is one that is compassionate, empathetic and has the ability to unite people in peaceful, as well as vehement, times with understanding. In light of this, the Human Resource Development Committee (HRDC) of the Ismaili Council for the Southern Region, in collaboration with the Ismaili Council for Thatta Shahbunder, organised a six-day leadership programme for 40 participants from Shahbunder Jamatkhanas.

Through her tireless efforts and unwavering commitment, Nadia Iqbal from Zulfiqarabad in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) sets a remarkable example for the women of our Jamat through her contributions in the field of IT. Her hard work paid off as she was honored with Prime Minister’s Excellence Award.