Historic Homecoming of His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan to Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral

The forthcoming visit of His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan, as the 50th Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, marks a historic and emotional moment for Pakistan, particularly for the regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. Scheduled between May 20 to 26, this first official visit carries profound spiritual, cultural, and national significance, bringing together faith, heritage, leadership, and unity.

During his time in Pakistan, His Highness is expected to engage with the country’s highest leadership, including the president, the prime minister, and the field marshal. These meetings reflect the longstanding and constructive relationship between the Ismaili Imamat and the state of Pakistan, one rooted in shared commitments to development, pluralism, education, and human progress.

Beyond Islamabad, however, it is in the majestic northern regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral where the emotional resonance of this visit will be most deeply felt. The people of these areas home to a vibrant and devoted Ismaili Jamat are awaiting this historic Deedar with immense anticipation and devotion. In Ismaili tradition, a gathering with their spiritual leader is known as Deedar, a moment of profound spiritual connection, reflection, and renewal.

Across Passu, Hunza, Gilgit, Gahkuch, and Taus, as well as in multiple locations in Chitral, preparations have reached an extraordinary scale. Entire valleys are being transformed into expressions of love and loyalty. Mountainsides are adorned with welcome messages, symbolic of the deep reverence held for their Imam. Beautifully constructed welcome gates, decorated with messages of gratitude, unity, and allegiance, stand as powerful testaments to the community’s enduring bond with its spiritual leadership.

What stands out most remarkably is the spirit of unity and harmony that defines these regions. Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral have long been examples of peaceful coexistence among diverse religious and cultural communities. Leaders and representatives of sister communities have warmly extended their support and participation in welcoming His Highness, demonstrating an extraordinary model of interfaith harmony and mutual respect. In a world often marked by division, this unity offers a powerful narrative of shared values and collective identity.

This visit also reminds the legacy of His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, whose landmark visit to the region between October 20 to 26, 1960, left a permanent mark on its trajectory. Over the decades since, the region has witnessed remarkable transformation. From education to healthcare, infrastructure to community development, the contributions of the Aga Khan Development Network have enabled unprecedented progress.

Today, Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral boast some of the highest literacy rates and most progressive social indicators in comparable mountain regions, an achievement widely attributed to this visionary leadership.

As a direct descendant of Hazrat Ali (AS), the arrival of His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan carries both spiritual and historical resonance. For the people of these mountainous regions, it is not only a visit, but also a moment of deep connection, affirmation of identity, and renewal of faith.

As the days draw closer, and strong sense of excitement and devotion continues to build. Families, communities, and generations are preparing to come together in large gatherings, united in their desire to welcome their Imam with dignity, pride, and heartfelt warmth.

“Deedar Mubarak” to the Ismaili community of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. This is not only a celebration of faith, but a reaffirmation of unity, progress, and the persistent relationship between a people and their spiritual guide.

The writer is Advisor to the President of the Aga Khan University and the Executive CDIO of the NHS West Yorkshire ICB, UK.