AKHBAAR Volume 13 - August 2019

Volume 13 - August 2019
AKHBAAR
A QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF IMAMAT INSTITUTIONS IN PAKISTAN
Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH) Conference
This Issue
HIGHLIGHTS
A Two-Day Mountaineering and
Rock Climbing Course
The Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board
(AKYSB) for Hunza organised an
intensive two-day course on the basics
of mountaineering and rock climbing in
the village of Passu.... cont. page-02
Participants with community and religious leaders
ITREB for Central Region, in collaboration
with the Ismaili Council for Central Region,
held an event at the Pearl Continental Hotel in
Lahore titled Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH)
Conference. About 300 people from the
Central Region participated in this event,
which included people from various
professional backgrounds and different
schools of thought.
The event celebrated the different Muslim
communities’ shared love and respect for the
Holy Prophet (PBUH). Scholars explained the
teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and
they also reflected on different aspects of the
life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) emphasising
values of religious tolerance, peace and
harmony.
Participants had many positive things to say
about the programme. One stated, “It was a
very successful event in all ways. Such
events should be organised frequently to
promote religious harmony.”
Jobs and Skills Expo in Lahore
People in Pakistan face cyclical,
structural, and frictional unemployment
and many talented young individuals
remain unemployed due to the scarcity
of jobs.... cont. page-03
Connecting Young Minds with Muslim
History
Amir Ali, Former Chairman, ITREB for Central
Region addressing the participants at the
event
Aziz Kabani presenting certificate to Syed
Saeed-ul-Hassan, Minister for Auqaf and
Religious Affairs
The STEP team of ITREB for Pakistan
organised STEP winter camps to
connect young minds with Muslim
history.... cont. page-07

AKHBAAR / Volume 13
A Two-Day Mountaineering and Rock Climbing Course
The Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board
(AKYSB) for Hunza organised an intensive
two-day course on the basics of
mountaineering and rock climbing in the
village of Passu. The initiative was aimed at
training members of the Jamat’s youth,
particularly females, with an interest in
mountaineering and rock climbing.
A total of 28 participants enrolled in the
course and were taught the basics of
mountain climbing through presentations,
demonstrations and practice. Experienced
instructors coached them in using mountain
climbing equipment, tying ropes and other
aspects of mountaineering.The participants
came from the districts of Gulmit, Chipurson,
and Gojal Bala. Demonstrating great interest
and enthusiasm, they described the course
as a wonderful experience, as well as a
challenging one, which helped them
appreciate the skill and endurance required in
mountaineering. The course was organised in
collaboration with Shimshal Mountain Guides
and with the support of the local AKYSB team,
Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, and Community
Emergency Response Team volunteers.
Events such as this play a crucial role in
Talented participants under training
promoting athletic activities and drawing out
individuals with an aptitude for such sports. A
representative of Shimshal Mountain Guides
commented that their institution would
continue to conduct such trainings in order to
encourage talented individuals.
Understanding the Qur’an: A Certificate Programme with ITREB
ITREB for Pakistan organised a two-day
certificate programme on Understanding the
Qur’an by Attash Sajwa and Piyar Ali Ghulam
Haider in Karachi. 85 participants from the
Southern Region took part in this event,
including REC teachers and youth from the
Jamat.
The programme explored approaches to the
Qur’an with an aim to understanding different
perspectives on revelation, intercession, and
the compilation of the Qur’an, along with a
discussion of significant Qur’anic verses
included in prayers. The speakers
emphasised the plurality of interpretations,
each of which is bound by its own time and
space. They encouraged attendees to
approach any interpretation from within its
own historical and social context before
considering how it may apply to their own
situation.
A participant stated, “We learnt that we
cannot be judgmental about anyone’s
point-of-view. this programme also taught us
that we need to understand others and
respect diversity. This session has broaden
my understanding about the historical
context of Qur’an.”
Another participant quoted, “this session in
particular has helped me understand the
diversity among different ethnic beliefs.”
Speaker addressing the participants
Blossom Hike in Hunza
A sound mind and healthy body are key to a
good life. Keeping these goals in mind, the
Ismaili District Boy Scouts Association
organised Blossom Hike 2019 in Hunza. The
25-kilometre hike from Dalat, Aliabad to
Duiker, Altit was completed over the span of
two days. 60 participants from five local
councils of Hunza collected and organised for
the hike. The mountain treks were surely a
challenge but they were worth the reward as
stated by one of the participants. Another
participant described the hike as, “A learning
experience where we found out that it is
essential to work alongside each other in
challenging and difficult tasks.” The event did
its part to promote healthy living in the Jamat
and to encourage spending time both in
nature and in the community.
Boy Scouts promote collaboration and teamwork at the hike in Hunza
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AKHBAAR / Volume 13
Job and Skills Expo in Lahore
People in Pakistan face cyclical, structural,
and frictional unemployment and many
talented young individuals remain
unemployed due to the scarcity of jobs. To
address this, the Aga Khan Economic
Planning Board (AKEPB) for Lahore
organised a Job and Skills Expo in Lahore.
This expo provided a platform for competent
and creative individuals to meet employers
and secure jobs. 600 Jamati members from
all over the central region including Sialkot,
Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Lala Musa,
Shahdara, and Sargodha attended the expo.
MANSAB a job portal created by AKEPB was
launched at the expo. Officials of AKEPB for
Lahore took the opportunity to create an
interactive, environment between the youth,
and job seekers, potential employers, and
skills-development institutions. Tariq
Mehmood, former President of Ismaili Council
for Central Region, along with local and
regional leadership, also participated in the
programme. Candidates were registered on
the MANSAB portal and volunteers screened
their resumes. One-on-one career counselling
was also arranged for people with inquiries
about their professional pathway. A
participant said, “This is an excellent initiative
A facilitator responds to the questions of participants at the Expo
for creating awareness about the job market
and such programmes should be arranged
on a periodic basis.”
Women’s Seminar “Nurturing Families, Shaping Futures”
ITREB for Pakistan, in collaboration with the
Gender Portfolio of the Ismaili Council for
Southern Region, arranged a session for
unemployed women aged 18 to 45 years
titled “Nurturing Families, Shaping Futures.”
70 people attended the session, which
highlighted the role of the family in women’s
struggle for empowerment. Participants were
also informed about the esteemed
contributions that women have made in
Muslim history.
Sabzali Haji Baig, Scholar, gave a
thought-provoking presentation on "Gender
in Muslim Thought and History.” Ambreen
Pirbhai, STEP Director, hosted a panel
discussion where successful women narrated
their stories. These women included Dr.
Dilshad Ashraf, Dr. Munira Amirali, and Dr.
Sana Durwesh, whose perspectives were
highly appreciated by participants. Mushtaq
Kazani, Executive Officer for ITREB, spoke on
“Seven Habits of Highly Effective Ismaili
Women.”
The programme concluded with tokens of
appreciation being distributed by Rozina
Merchant, Chairperson, ITREB for Southern
Region.
A participant shared, “The seminar was an
eye opener for me. I now know about career
opportunities, which were previously
unknown. This kind of programme should be
arranged regularly.” Another participant said,
“A woman needs to be determined and
courageous in order to be successful in life.
We should always be courageous in the face
of challenges.”
Ambreen Pirbai addressing the participants
Aga Khan Museum: A Discussion with the region of Hunza
Heritage and architectural projects pioneered
by the Aga Khan Development Network have
always been dedicated to education and
cultural preservation. The Aga Khan Museum
in Canada is perhaps the best example of
these twin commitments. Ismaili Council for
Hunza region organised a session to inform
the Jamat about the museum and its work.
Over 250 people, including the leadership of
ITREB, the regional council and jamat,
attended the talk.
the work, vision and history of the Aga Khan
Museum. It was noted that many musicians
from Hunza have been invited to perform at
the museum.
Henry Kim, CEO, Aga Khan Museum
Henry Kim, CEO of the Aga Khan Museum in
Canada, was invited as the chief guest of the
event. During the session, CEO shed light on
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AKHBAAR / Volume 13
Sensitising Future Contributors of Civil Society
The Jamat is where it is today because its
youth and leaders have invested their time
and energy in improving the overall quality of
life of every member. It is crucial for the youth
to know their potential and to be motivated
and prepared to continue serving the Jamat
and Jamati institutions.
Realising the importance of keeping the
youth engaged, the Aga Khan Youth and
Sports Board (AKYSB) for Gupis Yasin
organised a youth awareness session about
Mawlana Hazar Imam’s guidance for the
youth. The session encouraged the youth to
come forward and take up leadership
positions in the Jamat, while at the same time
encouraging them to achieve the best and
highest education.
attended by Jamati leadership and
Government officials. Jan Madad, DDO,
Government Education Department assured
that he will offer his cooperation in youth
development on the local level. Yousuf Khan,
Chairman, AKYSB for Gupis shared his
experience of youth development through
sporting activities and stressed on youth
participation in sporting events. The event
motivated the youth to come forward and
serve the Jamat.
The youth was also encouraged to work
towards living a balanced life. The event was
A group photo of the participants at the awareness session
School Safety Day Celebrated in Gahkuch
The Aga Khan Higher Secondary School
(AKHSS), Gahkuch observed School Safety
Day in order to highlight the importance of
school safety. The event was attended by
community members, school teachers and
the president and members of the Ismaili
Council for Ishkoman Puniyal. The event was
meant to develop readiness to combat a
terrorist attack and cybercrimes at both the
individual and school level. Students
presented their thoughts in prepared
speeches, which was followed by a panel
titled Good Morning Pakistan. The panel
highlighted the importance of active
observation to minimise harm. Jahangir
Khan, principal of AKHSS Gahkuch, spoke
on the challenges and importance of having
readiness systems and prescribed safety
standards to reduce harm from natural and
manmade events. The chief guest
emphasised the importance of
self-awareness and personal safety. He
encouraged the audience to play an active
role in spreading awareness saying, “Even
sharing this message with one person a day
means the message will reach 365 people in
a year.” In conclusion, participants were
awarded certificates of participation.
Former President Ismaili Council for Ishkoman
Puniyal visiting AKHSS, Gahkuch
Aga Khan Health Board organised health camps for the Jamat
An ongoing screening session in Chitral
In accordance with the current health
landscape of the country, the Aga Khan
Health Board for Pakistan, in collaboration,
with its partner organisations, organised
various health screening sessions throughout
the country. The health camps were held in
Chitral, Faisalabad and Hunza.
Health Screening in Lower Chitral
Arranged in collaboration with Aga Khan
Health Service, Pakistan and SEDP,
approximately 550 Jamati members
participated in the screening, hailing largely
from Garamchashma and Parabeg. Tips were
shared on how to lead a healthy lifestyle,
which included daily exercise, a nutritious diet
rich in fruits and vegetables, reduced usage
of salt and sugar and regular consultation
with a trained doctor.
Hepatitis Screening in Faisalabad
Around 74 Jamati members benefited while
one case was positively identified from the
hepatitis screening camp organised by the
Aga Khan Health Board, in partnership with
the Mughal Eye Hospital, Lahore. The event
was an opportunity to spread awareness
throughout the Jamat on prevention,
detection, and treatment of hepatitis.
Furthermore, transportation was also
arranged for those who needed it to access
the screening camp.
TB Screening in Hunza
Around 1,027 people were screened for early
identification and treatment of TB at the
screening camp organised in collaboration
with Aga Khan Health Service, Aga Khan
University Hospital, and the local
government. Tuberculosis is an infectious
disease caused by bacteria that affects the
lungs. It is a contagious disease and can
spread through the air when infected
individuals cough or sneeze. People who live
in crowded conditions without proper
ventilation are susceptible to contracting TB.
Infected individuals are recommended to
wear a mask and complete their course of TB
medication
Page - 04

AKHBAAR / Volume 13
Global Road Safety Week Celebrated across Pakistan
The Department of Communications
and Publications, Ismaili Council for
Pakistan in collaboration with Jamati
institutions, and law enforcement
agencies, celebrated “Global Road
Safety Week” throughout the country.
Hundreds of people from different walks
of life, including drivers, policemen,
officers from Rescue 1122 and Jamati
members participated in the walk and
displayed banners and placards bearing
messages about traffic rules. Besides,
police and other law enforcement
agencies in Gilgit-Baltistan also
supported scouts in setting up
awareness camps to support the cause.
The key messages were to drive slowly,
observe traffic rules at all times, use
seat belts, and refrain from accessing
mobile phones while driving. It was also
highlighted that vehicles should be
registered and well-maintained.
Boy Scouts and Girl Guides also
participated in walks holding placards
bearing messages about traffic rules.
They participated in painting zebra
crossings with an objective to help
understand and respect the road signs.
Jamati leaders on the occasion guided
the Jamat to avoid underage driving as
well as driving without a license, as it is
strictly in prohibition of traffic rules and
regulations.

AKHBAAR / Volume 13
Pakistan Day Celebrated in Gojal
The Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board for
Hunza, in collaboration with Hunza-Xinjiang
Trading and Tourism Company, organised a
Pakistan Day celebration at the Gulmit polo
ground in Gojal, Hunza. The primary
objectives were to provide a platform where
the people of Hunza could interact and to
revive traditional sports. The two-day long
celebrations included tug-of-war matches, a
polo game, national songs, a parade by Boy
Scouts, Girl Guides and schoolchildren, as
well as musical performances by the Silver
Jubilee Band of Gulmit.
The Pakistan Day Celebration 2019
commenced with ten teams engaging in a
tug-of-war competition. The team consisted
of four local councils’ participants and players
above 40 years of age. Everyone participated
and enjoyed with utmost zeal and vigor. In
the final match of tug-of-war, the Shishkat
team of Gulmit LC defeated the Altit team of
LC Altit/Karimabad. The event also had a
polo match where the polo team of
Chipurson were especially invited to play at
the event. It is the only valley to have a polo
team in Hunza where the sport is played on
numerous occasions.
Commander FCNA Major General Ehsan
Mehmood Khan attended the event as the
chief guest. Major General Khan praised His
Highness Prince Aga Khan for his enduring
Artists perform at the celebration ceremony
work through the AKDN agencies in uplifting
the quality of lives of marginalised
communities throughout the Gilgit-Baltistan
area. He applauded the Ismaili Council for
Hunza and the AKYSB team for their
unfaltering efforts in promoting healthy
activities and sports in the region.
Lastly, the chief guest distributed prizes and
shields amongst the winning teams,
performers and volunteers who, with their
generous services in organising this
spectacular event, celebrated the auspicious
occasion of Pakistan Day.
Elders perform at the ceremony
Inspire: A Book Review Session
ITREB for Pakistan organised a discussion by
Sadiq Khoja on the book called Muslim
Ethics: Emerging Vistas by Amyn B. Sajoo.
The event, which was called Inspire Book
Review, was held at the National Council hall
in Karachi with around 45 participants,
including youth and REC teachers from the
southern region. The event’s main objective
was to review the book, Muslim Ethics by
Amyn B. Sajoo, which has been published by
the Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS). At the
daylong event, Sadiq Khoja shared the
book’s key ideas about the contemporary
challenges in understanding ethics and its
approach towards a pluralistic vision of
ethics.
A participant commented on the event,
saying, “Inspire sessions are a good way of
getting to know about new IIS publications.
Such reviews should be organised regularly
so the youth get acquainted with new
perspectives.”
Sadiq Khoja addressing the participants
Parwaaz Training in Chitral Region
ECD training enhance teaching skills
Mawlana Hazar Imam has often spoken
about the importance of Early Childhood
Development (ECD). In accordance with this
guidance, the Aga Khan Education Board
(AKEB) for Lower Chitral conducted a series
of training sessions for 64 Parwaaz ECD
facilitators from Arkari, Shoghore,
Garamchashma, and Karimabad. The
programme enhanced participants’ teaching
skills, preventing complacency and ensuring
quality education. Participants were informed
of the importance and latest approaches of
ECD. Local and regional leadership attended
the event and praised the efforts of AKEB.
Saba Akhter, a lead educator from local
council Chitral Town, stated that the training
was very informative and would help her in
her career. Other teachers said that these
trainings enabled them to better serve the
Jamat.
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AKHBAAR / Volume 13
Connecting Young Minds with Muslim History
The STEP team of ITREB for Pakistan
organised STEP winter camps to connect
young minds with Muslim history. These
camps, held at Danyore and Oshikhandas,
invited the REC students of grade nine from
three local boards in Gilgit. Around 170
students participated in the camps, which
were conducted by trained secondary
teachers.
The objective of the six-day camps was to
engage participants in the study of Islam, and
the Shia Ismaili tradition in particular,
imparting normative, civilisational and
humanistic perspectives through the
secondary module of Muslim Societies and
Civilisations, developed by the Institute of
Ismaili Studies in the United Kingdom for
Ismaili youth worldwide. Students explored
different aspects of Islam and were
encouraged to relate them to their religious
practice, ethics, and thought.
The campers started their day with general
assembly, where students were provided
opportunities to express their creativity in a
variety of ways. Teachers explained the rise
and evolution of Islam from the period of
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the seventh
century to the decline of the Umayyad Empire
Participant engaged in a session
STEP camps provide opportunities to express creativity in a variety of ways
in Damascus in the eighth century. REC
teachers also participated in the camp as
mentors and assisted the facilitators. One
student said, “For me, history was just a
collection of dates and events about the past.
This camp enhanced my understanding of
history as a subject which linked the past,
present, and future and helped us
understand our roles as human beings.”
Another student commended the efforts of
the mentors and facilitators stating, “This
camp has not only enhanced my leadership
and thinking skills, but has also encouraged
me to read, share my knowledge, and reflect
on my own learning.” The consensus was
that the best way to learn history is by
interacting with others.
Learning through Arts and Music – Champ Camp
The Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board
(AKYSB) for Danyore and the Ismaili Council
for Danyore Sultanabad Oshikhandas
Rahimabad (LC-DSOR), in collaboration with
AKYSB Gilgit region, arranged a two-day
non-residential youth camp at Danyore
Jamatkhana. The camp attracted 60
participants from across the region, along
with Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, and volunteers
alike. Throughout the camp, participants
were engaged in group and individual work to
acquire knowledge through presentations,
Participants enjoys the music session during the Champ Camp
Participants during a group activity
lectures, discussions, and videos. The camp
was meant to enhance leadership skills,
foster the tradition of volunteering, and create
a sense of belonging to the community.
Moreover, the camp aimed to instil ethics and
values of tolerance and diversity within the
youth of the Jamat. The camp concluded
with a ceremony and certificate distribution
attended by many Jamati leaders. Nisar
Karim, President Ismaili Council for DSOR,
applauded the efforts of volunteers and
participants. He guided the youth to work
hard in their studies and avail opportunities
for personal and professional development.
He also urged participants to engage in
lifelong learning. Tayab, a participant of the
camp said, “The camp was interesting. We
enjoyed the music session a lot, which was
facilitated by Junaid, a singer who also was
part of the “Jubilee Mubarak” video song.”
Such efforts are truly worth appreciating
which aim to develop the future workforce of
civil society.
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AKHBAAR / Volume 13
50 th Annual Issa Inter Patrol Memorial Competition and Camp
The Ismaili Darkhana Boy Scouts Unit,
Karachi, organised the 50th Annual Issa Inter
Patrol Memorial Competition and Camp in
Malir. This historic event provided a unique
platform to showcase scouting philosophy.
The event’s format consisted of several
competitions and a grand trophy. For this
year’s event, 250 scouts took part and were
divided into 12 teams. The first day of the
competition, teams were tasked with building
shelters. This included building an entrance,
cupboards, a dining table, a bag and a shoe
stand, a kitchen, changing rooms, and a first
aid corner. Participants spent the first night
designing and preparing their shelters and
demonstrated their enthusiasm to win the
competition.
competition came to an end, the scouts also
cleaned up the event location.
The event, though organised at the local level,
reflects the larger mission of scouts. Trained
scouts, emerging from an event like the Issa
Inter Patrol Memorial Competition, set
themselves as leaders of the future. Rahim
Jawed, a participant echoed this idea of
leadership saying, “The competition has
inspired and transformed many individuals
since its inception. It has served as a
breeding ground for future leaders of our
Jamat.”
Next, each team was assigned a different
genre of theatre, which they presented at the
campfire night. Scouts highlighted key social
issues through these plays, which were
thoroughly appreciated by the audience. After
the trophy winners were announced and the
Camps and competitions help by building leadership skills and understand scouting philosophy
Boy Scouts Silver Jubilee Camp
Camping is a fundamental learning
experience for scouts. Sir Robert Baden
Powell said, “A week of camp life is worth six
months of theoretical teaching in the meeting
room.” The Ismaili District Boy Scouts
Association of Karachi organised a camp
named Silver Jubilee Celebration 1994-2019
for 300 participants from Karachi and Sindh.
The camp focused on developing four
aspects of an individual: one’s personality,
physical capabilities, spiritual enlightenment
and intellectual and social capacity, as
outlined in the National Youth Programme
policy of the Pakistan Boy Scouts
Association. The camp emphasised the
importance of having goals, developing a
sense of direction and achieving higher ranks
and badges in the Boy Scouts. Moreover, it
inculcated a sense of personal responsibility
towards the community and promoted peace
and commitment towards spiritual life. A
participant stated, “This camp was a
life-changing experience, which young people
cannot get anywhere else.”
Jamati leadership also visited the camp to
motivate the scouts in their endeavour of
serving the community. These guests
included Syed Mumtaz Ali Shah, Provincial
Commissioner and Chief Secretary of the
Government of Sindh, Amin Lakhani, former
President Ismaili District Boy Scouts
Association and Southern Council, Syed
A scout member during an adventure trail
Akhter Meer, Provincial Secretary and senior
leader of the Sindh Boy Scouts Association,
Karim Morani, Scouting Portfolio Member of
the Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board for
Pakistan, and finally, Shamez Mukhi, former
Chairman of the Aga Khan Youth and Sports
Board for Pakistan. Wahab Jockey, District
Scout Commissioner said, “Experiences
beyond the classroom teach life skills and
holistically nourish the personality of the
scout. Scouting raises the confidence of the
individual by exploring their untapped
potential. It also builds self-esteem and
team-building skills and encourages the
pursuit of outdoor adventure.”
Scouts applying practical solutions during the camp
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AKHBAAR / Volume 13
The Road to Success: A One-Day Experiential Camp
accomplish more.” The session concluded
with self-branding activities that helped
participants set goals for the future.
Participants learning to engage in teamwork for better and strategic outcomes
The Salimabad Career Development Society
organised a one-day experiential camp called
“Road to Success.” The camp, held in
Karachi, aimed to promote leadership skills
and teach participants resilience and
goal-setting tools. A total of 35 participants
from the jurisdiction took part in the camp.
The first session was conducted by trainer
Nauman Nasrullah, who shared the
importance of appreciating high and low
moments in life. He also explained the
importance of goal setting saying, “When a
team sets a goal and works towards it
strategically, it can perform better and
The second session on resilience was led by
Hassan Somani, who not only shared the
meaning of resilience, but also spoke about
the need to respond to every problem with
maturity. A participant shared their own
strategies of resilience stating, “I started to
paint when I was stressed. The stress would
just vanish after that. This was my source of
resilience.” The last session was conducted
by Farhad Karamally. His practical approach
towards setting one’s vision and goal
attainment helped participants think about
what they wanted from life and how they
could achieve it. Participants also shared their
concerns about their futures. At the end, a
participant reflected on her experience, “The
road to success is not easy. It is full of failures
and struggles, but the final destination is
worth all the difficulties.”
Technical Training concluded in Gupis Yasin
The Ismaili Council for Gupis Yasin, in
collaboration with the Aga Khan Economic
Planning Board (AKEPB) for Gupis Yasin,
organised a three-month plumbing and
electrical training programme for the Jamat
residing in the valleys of Immit and Silgan.
The vocational training programme aimed to
provide better job opportunities for the
Jamat. The award ceremony for successful
completion was attended by Jamati
leadership, government officials, journalists,
applicants and finally, parents of the
partakers.
have to ensure that the new generation
develops skills to play a positive and
constructive role in it. One of the major
reasons our youth indulges in unhealthy
activities is because society has failed to
provide them with wholesome opportunities
for engagement.”
Participants found the training to be very
useful. A participant pronounced, “In Karachi,
it takes us very long to understand the
language of trainers, but we were taught in
our own language which made learning more
effective.”
Certificate distribution at the ceremony
Aqil Hayat, Chairman AKEPB for Gupis said,
“This is the age of the knowledge society. We
Compost-Making Training Endeavour in Upper Chitral
The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme
organised a compost-making training
endeavour for women of the Jamat. The year
long training was open to women of UC
Charun, Mulkhow and Kosht in Upper Chitral.
2,596 women from 12 villages participated in
the programme, which focused on preparing
urea standard compost for use at home and
for the market. The training supported a
common household practice introducing
scientific methods and advanced skills.
Participants appreciated the programme,
avowing that initiatives such as this one will
enable them to keep their household safe,
both with respect to hygiene as well as
economic factors.
AKRSP trainers providing compost-making training in Upper Chitral
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AKHBAAR / Volume 13
International English Language Day
various games and activities. One game,
which our readers can also play with their
families or friends, was an extended version
of “Scrabble” where participants were asked
to form three words with the different letters
written on tiles and weave a story which
included those words. Some of the events
included a speech competition, grammar
quiz, and book sale.
Young Jamati members engaged during the celebrations of English Language Day
With this event, AKEB invited the Jamat to
join their English Language Enhancement
Programme (ELEP) which helps young
members in the Jamat to enhance their
English Language proficiency, so that they
can avail increased opportunities for job
placement or secure higher education
scholarships. The ELEP consists of eight
modules, and students who clear level five
can become English Language educators
and earn additional income.
The Aga Khan Education Board (AKEB) for
Pakistan commemorated International
English Language day in Jamatkhanas on the
23 rd of April 2019. This was a large-scale
programme, with 12 events across Pakistan,
ranging from areas in Karachi in the south, to
Multan in the Central region, and to Sherqillah
in the north. The main aim of the programme
was to promote the importance of learning
English, which has been repeatedly stressed
upon by Mawlana Hazar Imam in his
guidance.
During the programme, participants were
given a chance to practice their English
reading, writing, and listening skills through
The events were attended by Jamati
members of all ages and Jamati leadership.
The Jamat appreciated the fun and practical
way in which the AKEB engaged participants
English Language and many were excited to
join the ELEP programme in the upcoming
sessions.
Basic Counselling Skills for Professionals
Drug addiction is a state of intermittent or
incessant intoxication caused by repeatedly
consuming a drug. The consequences of
addiction include an uncontrollable urge to
consume drugs, increases in drug dosages,
and psychological and physical harm. Drug
addiction can have a negative effect on the
individual and society.
The Aga Khan Social Welfare Board for
Gulshan, Karachi, in association with the
Drug-Free Foundation and ISSUP-Pakistan
chapter, organised a five-day training course
on basic counselling skills for addiction
professionals. 19 people from Karimabad and
Gulshan took part in the training programme.
The training focused on learning basic skills and how to tackle problems in different environment
Participants taking keen interest in a session
The training provided an opportunity for
participants to learn and apply basic skills in
different settings and implement treatment
models. Sessions taught basic counselling
skills, which can build rapport with the
patient. Through this training, participants
learned reflective listening, building a helping
relationship, asking open-ended questions,
preventing relapse, as well as techniques of
affirming, summarising and rolling with
resistance. Different pedagogies were used
by the trainers to develop counselling skills.
A participant said, “This was great exposure
and a wonderful learning opportunity for me.
I am not at all related to this field and did not
even have the basic knowledge on how I can
tackle the prevailing problems in our
community. I am now ready to deal with
these issues.”
Another participant shared, “After attending
this session, I think I am capable enough to
handle these problems effectively and create
a positive change.” Former Honorary
Secretary of the Aga Khan Social Welfare
Board visited the training and encouraged
participants to continue on their journey of
helping those in need.
Page - 10

AKHBAAR / Volume 13
Vocational Communications Training for Small Entrepreneurs
A working knowledge of the English language
opens doors to many economic, social and
academic opportunities. The Aga Khan
Education Board for Pakistan, in collaboration
with the Aga Khan Economic Planning Board
for Pakistan, designed a course titled
“Vocational Communication” for small
business owners, workshop owners and
skilled workers. The course was piloted with
32 participants from Gilgit-Baltistan and
Chitral who came to Karachi for training in
different vocational skills such as mobile,
motorcycle and computer repair. The
vocational communication classes were held
on weekends in Garden and Kharadar over a
period of eight weeks.
The course helped participants use English
for everyday conversations with customers,
clients and stakeholders. Each week,
language skills pertinent to a particular field
and activity were practiced, including
introducing oneself, describing and marketing
products, bargaining and negotiating, and
giving and following instructions. Each class
was filled with interactive group sessions and
paired activities, discussions and practice
assignments.
The programme gave many participants the
confidence to speak English. Ikram Ali of
Sherqillah, Gilgit-Baltistan said, “Before
attending these classes, I did not know how
to speak English. These classes have taught
me a lot and have given me the confidence to
speak and communicate in English. I would
like similar trainings to be conducted in the
near future.”
Participants understanding the basics of the
English Language
Building Leadership Skills in Youth
The Salimabad Career Development Society
organised a five-day camp for 35 participants
from the Karimabad jurisdiction in Karachi.
The camp aimed to build leadership skills and
promote teamwork, to motivate participants
to come up with new ideas, and to highlight
the importance of mindfulness.
The first day started with a drum circle.
Musician Nafees Khalfan helped participants
create music with discarded objects. On the
second day, a scavenger hunt was the main
activity, where participants explored the value
of teamwork. “When blindfolded, I had to
trust my team. Without them, I knew I would
not be able to do it,” said one participant.
The third day focused on media literacy,
where lecturer Shehzil Saleem led an
A participant engages in creative learning
interactive session on the use and misuse of
media, which made participants reflect on
what they are doing on social media and how
they can control it. The fourth day started
with an entrepreneurship activity where a
Community Development Society team took
charge and taught participants how an idea
can bring about change. The session was
accompanied by a campaign on “Say No To
Plastic”, where participants pitched unique
ideas towards the theme, “We can make the
world a better place without using plastic.”
The final day of the camp was devoted to
mindfulness, a practice of bringing attention
to our own experiences in the present.
Students learned different mindfulness
practices, which were meant to enable them
to reduce stress.
Skills Development in Digital Livelihood
Keeping in mind the constantly evolving
landscape of the Pakistani workforce, the
Aga Khan Economic Planning Board (AKEPB)
for Lower Chitral arranged a session on
online earning. The objective of this
undertaking was to develop jobs for the
youth of Chitral by imparting marketable skills
in digital livelihood.
25 participants were trained in self-branding
in the online world. They were informed of the
growing online industry and potential
business opportunities to start virtual
entrepreneurship endeavours, and engage in
freelancing and blogging. Modules of the
session included social media marketing,
data entry, online reputation management,
e-business models and Search Engine
Optimisation (SEO), amongst others.
A member of AKEPB commented,
“Freelancing and virtual entrepreneurship is a
long-running and successful programme of
AKEPB. The programme targets young
graduates who want to look beyond the
conventional job market and explore career
or business opportunities presented by the
online world.”
Jamil Ahmed, Asif Nayab and Nasir Nawaz,
23-year-olds belonging to Karimabad, were
shortlisted for the training course at Hashoo
Foundation. After the session, they not only
registered themselves with online earning
platforms, but also started marketing on
social media and established business units
online. A participant said, “It was due to
AKEPB’s efforts that we have not only started
an online delivery service, but have also come
to know about different methods to earn
using online platforms."
Hands-on training to develop online
marketable skills for improved business
opportunities
Page - 11

Mental disorder can occur at any age, but it often begins during adolescence and early adulthood and is twice as
common amongst underprivileged populations. Often, those affected with a mental disorder remain hidden, neglected
and discriminated against. Various reasons include a lack of mental health policies, attitude and perception of people
towards individuals with mental disorder and lack of awareness about certain problems. Depression is the single
largest contributor to worldwide disability. Suicide is one of the most tragic outcomes for people affected by mental
disorders.
Stigma and lack of information can be overwhelming obstacles for
someone who is struggling with mental health issues.
Here are a few powerful things you can do to help:
• Empathetic listening to an individual and understanding about the
nature of problem
• Showing individuals respect and acceptance
• Advocating within our circles of influence
• Learning more about mental health
Feeling sad or extreme mood changes
Confused thinking or reduced ability to
concentrate
Excessive fears or worries, or extreme
feelings of guilt
Withdrawal from family or friends
Lack or loss of interest in activities
Through its Mental Health Programme, the Aga Khan Health Board for
Pakistan (AKHBP) has developed programmes to increase the capacity
of Representative Health Workers (RHWs). AKHBP had trained almost
807 RHWs in mental health nationwide. These RHWs are equipped to
conduct awareness sessions, sensitise Jamati members about mental
health issues and educate them to cope with daily life challenges.
AKHBP has also deployed mental health counsellors, benefiting Jamati
members through counselling sessions and referring them to health
professionals for a comprehensive Psychiatric assessment as well as
treatment. Moreover, Tele Psychiatry consultation services are provided
in the remotest valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral through AKHS,P
health centres.
Change in sleep and appetite
Detachment from reality
Inability to cope with daily life problems
Trouble understanding and relating
to situations
Excessive alcohol or other drug use
An unusual drop in social and
occupational functioning
Decline in personal care
Excessive anger, hostility
or violence
Thoughts of Suicide
VISIT YOUR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL – SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE
If you or your loved one has any signs or symptoms of mental illness, see a mental health professional.
Most mental illnesses don't improve on their own, and if untreated, a mental illness may get worse over time
and cause serious problems.

AKDN
AGA KHAN DEVELOPMENT NETWORK
International Conference
in Hunza
Serena Hotels, in collaboration with
Karakoram International University and the
Government of Gilgit-Baltistan organised a
three-day International Conference on
Mountaineering, Eco-Tourism and Hospitality
in Hunza. This event was sponsored under
the Public Diplomacy initiative of Serena
Hotels that aims to develop an inclusive and
informed discourse on timely subjects and
creates a culture of understanding through
knowledgeable and diverse opinions.
International and national keynote speakers
focused on the importance of CPEC and
Eco-Tourism workshops while Travel, Tourism
and Hospitality exhibitions were held with an
excursion tour to Khunjerab Pass. Dr. Arif
Alvi, President, Islamic Republic of Pakistan,
appreciated His Highness Prince Karim Aga
Khan's role for the promotion of tourism in
the area. He observed that it was a unique
opportunity for the youth of Gilgit-Baltistan
that Karakoram International University had
arranged an informative three-day conference
for their development.
Gilgit-Baltistan Governor Raja Jalal Hussain
Maqpoon, the Chief Secretary, members of
the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly,
foreign delegates and officials, along with
people from various walks of life, attended
the conference. The conference proceedings
will be curated and published by Karakoram
International University.
LSO Convention 2019
The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme
(AKRSP) and the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF)
Pakistan organised a two-day Local Support
Organisation (LSO) convention in Gilgit.
Representatives from more than 80 LSOs
convened to share their experiences, lessons
learnt and future priorities of the
community-driven socioeconomic
development drive in Gilgit-Baltistan and
Chitral.
The inaugural session was attended by the
Honourable Mr. Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman,
Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan; Her Excellency
Ms. Wendy Gilmour, Canadian High
Commissioner; Mr. Qazi Azmat Isa, CEO
Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF); Mr.
Shoaib Sultan Khan, Chairman Rural Support
Programme Network (RSPN); Mr. Javed
Iqbal, Vice Chairman AKRSP; Mr. Muzzafar
Ud Din, General Manager AKRSP; and
representatives from AKDN agencies, LSOs
and civil society organizations. The inaugural
session was followed by five thematic
sessions, spread over the course of the
convention. The themes included Institutional
Development and Partnership Building,
Poverty and Social Protection, Renewable
Energy, Natural Resource Development, and
Employable Skills. The convention also
featured an exhibition of products from LSOs
and service providers across the region.
AKDN agencies, financial institutions and
private sectors also displayed their products.
Towards the end of the two-day convention,
a tribute was given to Shoaib Sultan Khan for
his efforts and dedication in the field of rural
development.
Aga Khan Schools
striving to improve the
quality of learning
Each year, Aga Khan Education Service
(AKES) for Pakistan affiliates more of its 69
secondary and higher secondary schools
with the Aga Khan University Examination
Board (AKU-EB). This year alone, three
schools, two in Gilgit-Baltistan and one in
Chitral, have joined the ranks of AKU-EB
affiliated schools while students of four
schools affiliated last year have sat for their
first examinations under the new board,
bringing the total of AKU-EB associated Aga
Khan Schools to 25. Gulzar Afaqi, the head
teacher of Diamond Jubilee Model High
School, Oshikandas in Gilgit-Baltistan, joined
the examination board in 2017 and has had
three years to observe the changes in her
school. Head teacher Afaqi says that the
greatest change she has perceived in her
students is an increase in self-regulated
learning. She has also detected a growth in
her teachers’ curiosity about the subjects
they teach. They are now making use of the
internet to keep up-to-date about teaching
and pedagogy, and integrating information
and communication technology into their
classes. “Learning is moving beyond the
books to group work, practical and
application,” says Afaqi.
AKDN Launches Global
Enterprise Growth
Acceleration Initiative In
Pakistan
Accelerate Prosperity (AP) Pakistan was
launched as the global joint initiative of the
Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and the Aga
Khan Fund for Economic Development’s
Industrial Promotion Services (AKFED IPS) in
2017 with a national mandate and an aim to
catalyse the creation of sustainable small and
developing businesses across Pakistan.
Overtime, AP’s direct investments are geared
towards making businesses bankable and
investable for the private sector. In the two
years since inception, AP Pakistan has
engaged 12,434 entrepreneurs and provided
select start-ups and existing businesses
relevant training and business advisory. It has
incubated 97 start-ups and provided
financing services to 41 existing businesses.
It has provided direct finance and
intermediated external investments for 29
businesses, and leveraged its finance to
unlock four times its investments for these
businesses from business owners and the
private sector. It has also facilitated more than
PKR 50 million worth of external financing
commitments for these businesses. In two
years, Accelerate Prosperity’s supported
businesses has created 172 new jobs and
improved 2,350 existing jobs. The supported
businesses have experienced an average
year-to-year increase in revenues of around
18.5% since AP’s support.
Page - 13

AKHBAAR / Volume 13
Giving Back
We continue our series of honouring the Jamat’s many selfless Khidmatgars. In this issue, we showcase Syed Gaib Ali Shah, volunteer from
Gilgit and Gulshan Akbarali, volunteer from Karachi.
Syed Gaib Ali Shah
A Magistrate (Level 1) by profession,
45-year-old Syed Gaib Ali Shah hails from
Jutial Gilgit where he lives with his wife and
four children. His purpose in life: to serve
humanity. Volunteerism roots back to his
ancestors as his family has a long tradition of
performing khidmat. He mentions the
importance of service, as he was always
taught to help and assist people in need,
“Our family believes in helping people who
cannot help themselves.” Before moving to
Jutial, Gilgit, Shah served as a member of the
Conciliation and Arbitration board for three
years in Central Jamatkhana Gilgit.
In 2010, after the landslide in Attabad,
Hunza, a barrier on the Hunza River caused
water to collect in the form of a temporary
lake, now known as Attabad Lake. The
overflowing lake forced people to migrate
from their homes to refugee camps. Soon
after the incident, an urgent meeting was
called because refugee children were
becoming sick due to the scarcity of health
resources. The need of the hour was a
courageous soul who could go into the
location and check on the destitute people.
Syed Gaib Ali Shah walked through the
mountainous and dangerous muddy areas of
Gilgit to reach the refugees. In the process,
he collected all health updates and reached
back to the camp in 24 hours with a doctor,
the prescribed medications and nourishment.
Inundated, the people were not even out of
the aftermath of the landslide when on the
27th of July 2010, a continuous downpour of
rain caused floods which undertook the area
in its grip. Gaib Ali Shah was then appointed
to take care of the flood’s survivors. At
midnight on the 7th of August 2010, another
bout of rain came with horrifying aftereffects –
an entire town succumbed to the devastating
floods. As soon as Gaib Ali Shah heard, he
rushed to the town’s aid where he was able
to save two men from near-drowning. In the
process however he was greatly injured. This,
of course, did not stop him on his lifelong
mission.
In 2019, due to his bravery during the floods,
he was awarded the title of Tamga-e-Shujaat
by Dr. Arif Alvi, President, Islamic Republic of
Pakistan. Gaib Ali Shah, when receiving the
award, stayed modest and simply stated,
“Religion is our identity. You have to make
time for it. You can’t keep the time fixed.”
Gulshan Akbarali
62-year-old Gulshan Akbarali, currently
volunteering in the National Time and
Knowledge Nazrana (TKN) Department lives
with her husband in Karachi. Starting her
journey of khidmat from Kharadar Girl
Guides, she was only 12 years old when she
joined Girl Guides and was also a member of
the Shoe Company. More than 50 years later,
she has served in various Jamati institutions
for the majority of her life, primarily at the Aga
Khan University Hospital, where she served
for 12 years.
Wanting to become a role model for others,
Gulshan has been at the forefront to provide
services in Jamati and AKDN institutions.
Even when she was diagnosed with cancer in
2012 and was told she would only have a
year to live, her vision of a life of dedication to
serve others was not thwarted. Gulshan
continued on her path observing, “When I
was diagnosed with cancer in 2012, not for a
second did I think to leave my khidmat. I kept
pushing myself and continued my khidmat. I
used to serve 15 hours per week and
continued to give the same number of hours
even after my diagnosis.”
For the next two years, she underwent
treatment and chemotherapy at the Aga
Khan University Hospital, with a renewed
vision and commitment for her love of service
to others.
As she now recalls, in 2017 when Mawlana
Hazar Imam visited Pakistan, she was
volunteering at Data Entry for card
distribution. It was a memorable moment, for
when she saw the Jamat’s excitement to see
the Imam, her commitment to khidmat was
renewed. She stated, “He was, after all,
coming after a long time and we were
enthusiastic in giving our service during this
exciting occasion.”
Gulshan remarks, “Khidmat has changed my
personality altogether. I have become more
patient and humble. I hardly get angry now
and try to help others as much as possible.
To the young generation, I will advise them to
be modest, and never become too proud no
matter how much success you obtain in your
life. Always put the Jamati member first and
treat them with kindness.”
Editorial Team
Aaqib Merchant, Aftab Ahmed Khan Niazi, Ambreen Abdul Karim, Amin Rammal, Anila Moloo, Asma Ladak, Enara Dossa,
Henna Tajani, Jasmine Ajanee, Karim Hasan, Khadija Ladhani, Komal Bhamani, Naina Qayyum, Rizwan Jamil Jaffery,
Sarah Naveed, Shamila Ladak, Shayan Rajani, Shama Karim, Zeeshan Lalani
Contributors
Abida Ali, Anwar Ali, Dr. Hina Veljee, Fazal Karim, Hazar Muhammad, Imran Rahim, Inayat Ali Meghani, Jameel Akhtar,
Kamran Tahir, Kashif Aly, Kashif Karim, Maria Hayat Khan, Mehtar Dad, Meherban Karim, Mohammad Rahim,
Jahangir Khan, Munira Vallani, Murad Baig, Nadeemullah Baig, Nousheen Rahim, Salima Hasham, Saleem Raza,
Shamsur Rehman, Suleman Merchant, Waseem Samad, Wasim Shiekh, Zahara Khan, Zahra Shahbaz, Zahra Salim
Page - 14

AKHBAAR / Volume 13
Special Thanks to:
Official online sources
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www.twitter.com/TheIsmaili
Published by:
Department of Communications and Publications, Aga Khan Council for Pakistan
300/2, Garden East, Karachi-74550, Pakistan
Tel: (92-21) 3225 0850, 3225 1450 | Fax: (92-21) 3222 7210
Email: communication@akcpk.org | Websites: www.akdn.org / the.ismaili
Copyright © 2019 All rights reserved.
No part of this Newsletter may be reproduced, distributed, or used in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, or by any
information storage and retrieval system, without prior written permission from the Department of Communications and Publications,
Aga Khan Council for Pakistan.
Page - 15

Celebration of Independence Day through Civic Engagement

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