What's New
After Salima’s mother passed away in 2019, something in her mind changed. “I was at home, doing nothing. I didn’t want to go back to my previous job,” she recalls. Salima came across a mentorship opportunity, which aligned with her desire to serve the Jamat. She was excited to take it on, but didn’t expect her life to change the way it did.
In today’s fast-paced world, where daily demands often take precedence, the significance of maintaining good health can easily be overshadowed. However, ensuring the well-being of our community members remain paramount. Jamati institutions across diverse regions have taken proactive steps to prioritize health and wellness, cultivating a culture of awareness and empowerment.
Building on the overwhelming success of 'Rang - Exploring Culture, Celebrating Diversity,' held in 2022 and 2023, the Secondary Teachers Education Programme (STEP) by ITREB Pakistan and the Education Programme by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) are excited to unveil yet another enriching edition: 'Rang - Exploring Culture, Celebrating Diversity 3.0. This extraordinary journey will unfold from October 7th to 14th, 2024, at Lahore and Hunza. Crafted especially for dynamic young adults aged 18 to 24, this program offers an unforgettable experience of discovery and growth. Immerse yourself in an eight-day journey filled with music, arts, and environmental stewardship, promising personal enrichment and memories that will last a lifetime.
Ismaili CIVIC Pakistan, in collaboration with government agencies, communities and volunteers, is working diligently towards environmental preservation on a large scale. Recently, to celebrate World Environment Day, Ismaili CIVIC partnered with Ismaili Councils across eight regions to initiate various impactful activities.
The Broadening Horizons Youth Camp (BHYC) took place this summer between 28th June and 6th July in the peaceful and scenic village of Kuragh, in Upper Chitral, with 72 participants and 15 team members from across the eight regional councils of Pakistan. This year’s BHYC is a collection of many individual stories, each reflecting the experiences of our young Jamati members embedded within communal and global challenges.
Pakistan, being the fifth most populous country with two-thirds of its population under 30, presents a key opportunity to leverage the youth bulge through upskilling. Failure to do so can lead to significant economic challenges. Recognizing the importance of continuous learning and skill enhancement for career advancement in a fast-evolving professional landscape, the Aga Khan Economic Planning Board (AKEPB) has conducted several comprehensive training initiatives in 2024. These initiatives aim to equip Jamati members with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel, fostering both professional and personal growth.
In line with the global celebration of World Youth Skills Day, these efforts underscore the critical role of skill development in empowering young people to navigate and succeed in today's dynamic world. World Youth Skills Day serves as a reminder of the urgent need to invest in youth skills development, and AKEPB's initiatives are a testament to Pakistan's commitment to this cause.
“Real happiness lies in inner satisfaction,” articulated Sherzad.
Sherzad hails from the beautiful Yaseen Village in the Ghizer District of Gilgit Baltistan. He graduated with honours in Journalism from the University of Karachi and worked with Dawn TV and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Although he was successful in his career, he felt a profound emptiness inside, a darkness he longed to fill with light. Sherzad identified the source of his discontent: the pressing issues of climate change and global warming, and his minimal contribution to addressing these problems. Furthermore, the income he was earning from his employment was not enough to fulfil the fundamental needs of his family.
Join host Kawish Hussain for the latest episode of The Ismaili Update, coming to you from Pakistan, where Princess Zahra recently concluded six-day visit. During her visit, Princess Zahra and her son Iliyan reviewed projects of the Aga Khan Development Network that are benefitting tens of thousands of people in the villages and towns of northern Pakistan.
Princess Zahra yesterday attended the inauguration of the Aga Khan Hostel in Sherqilla, a new facility designed to cater for and support female students of the adjacent Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Sherqilla.
The Aga Khan Health Board for Pakistan (AKHBP) aims to bring together Ismaili health care professionals from across Pakistan under one platform. It also provides an opportunity for Ismaili health care professionals to fulfill their TKN Nazrana and serve the community.
Mawlana Hazar Imam has envisioned a commitment to community growth and knowledge sharing. In accordance, an event was organized as the Aga Khan Economic Planning Board, Ismaili Council for Hunza and Gilgit collaborated to host entrepreneurs from the Ismaili Council for Ishkoman Puniyal. This unique initiative, designed to foster a deeper understanding of border trade opportunities, came to life against the picturesque backdrop of the Sost Dry Port.