Ismaili.NET - Heritage F.I.E.L.D.

The spiritual leader of the world Ishmaelites, Prince Aga Khan IV, who is paying a week-long visit to Tajikistan at the invitation of President emomali Rakhmonov, on Thursday left for the Gorno-Badakhshan autonomous region where the most populous diaspora of Ishmaelites resides.

The spiritual leader of the murids, the followers of the "living God," or crown prince Aga Khan IV, is accompanied on the Badakhshan journey, just as during his visit to Tajikistan in May 1995, by President Emomali Rakhmonov.

During his stay in Khorog, the administrative centre of the autonomous region, Aga Khan IV and the Tajik head of state will meet the region's leaders and public, and visit a number of educational establishments. they are also expected to hold informal meetings with the residents of the city and neighbouring villages.

The visitors will also attend a festive opening ceremony at a school built with assistance from the Aga Khan fund.

The republic as a whole and Badakhshan in particular value highly Aga Khan's appreciable humanitarian aid to the population of this highland area. His aid was of special importance during the armed confrontation in the country from 1992 and a number of subsequent years.

During the current visit, further cooperation and Aga Khan's participation in a number of major humanitarian projects is being considered. The Prince has already held conversations with Tajikistan President Emomali Rakhmonov, Prime Minister Yakhy Azimov and other leaders of the republic, as well as the chairman of the National Reconciliation commission, Tajik opposition leader Sayed Abdullo Nouri.