The Aga Khan Expresses Sympathy and Assures Support for Flood-Hit Gilgit-Baltistan
LISBON: His Highness the Aga Khan has expressed heartfelt sympathy for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan following the recent flash floods and related disasters that have caused widespread devastation across the region.
In a letter addressed to the government, His Highness conveyed condolences over the tragic loss of lives, including volunteers near Gilgit who were working to restore water-supply infrastructure in their communities. “I pray that their souls may rest in eternal peace, and that the bereaved families may have the strength to bear their immense loss,” he wrote.
The Aga Khan assured that the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), in close collaboration with its institutions and agencies in Pakistan, will continue to support government and community-led recovery and restoration efforts. He reaffirmed the Ismaili Imamat’s historic commitment to the development and progress of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, highlighting that the region remains close to his heart.
“Institutions and agencies of the Ismaili Imamat will continue to support the government and local communities to recover from the recent damages as well as to build resilience to face future challenges with greater strength and anticipation,” the letter stated.
The Aga Khan further noted that recovery efforts would be guided by damage assessments conducted by the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority alongside AKDN’s own institutional assessments. He emphasized that AKDN agencies would use their expertise to address immediate humanitarian needs while also strengthening local disaster resilience.
“It is my hope and prayer that the collective relief efforts will help to ease the current suffering,” His Highness concluded.
It is pertinent to note that the Chief MInister of GB had written a letter to the Aga Khan, the 50th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, seeking his support in the wake of large scale destruction caused by floods in Gilgit-Baltistan.
