Zubair Babakarkhel – Dec 13, 2009 – 17:25
KABUL (PAN): Thousands of Ismaili sect members, followers of Prince Karim Aga Khan, celebrated the 73rd birthday of their spiritual leader here on Sunday.
The function was held at an Ismaili community centre, where head of Aga Khan’s National Council Sher Baz Hakimi pledged to pursue development activities in Afghanistan.
Addressing the function, Hakimi referred to Karim Aga Khan’s promise to work for the welfare of Muslims, particularly the Ismaili sect adherents, across the world.
He added the pledge made 52 years ago was being translated into action as enough work had been done for the welfare of Afghans and Ismaili sect followers in the war-hit country.
Aga Khan had pledged 57 million US dollars in assistance to Afghanistan following the overthrow of the Taliban in late 2001, Hakimi recalled. The level of assistance has since reached 750 million US dollars.
He said the Aga Khan Foundation and other relevant organisations were working in different sectors across Afghanistan. Focus, assisting deserving families and participating in the reconstruction drive, is one such organisation.
The organisation has constructed 8,600 shelter houses for returnees in addition to building 1,600 kilometres of roads. He said Focus was also providing food assistance to the people.
Other relevant organisations were working for preserving historical sites, construction of health and educational centres and provision of communication services, Hakimi explained.
He said their bank had provided small loans to 61,000 people in several provinces of the country. During the meeting, President Hamid Karzai’s message was read out by his adviser Abdul Aziz Ahmad. Karzai thanked Aga Khan for supporting Afghanistan.
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