Peace must for regional development, says Aga Khan

CHITRAL: Prince Karim Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, on Saturday said that peace was a must for the development of the region.

He was addressing his followers in Booni and Garum Chashma. In his address, Aga Khan stressed the importance of education and linked peace to the development of the region. He said that Islam was the religion of peace and its followers must follow the instructions of Islam for the progress and prosperity of the entire Muslim world.

Around 60,000 followers had gathered at Garum Chasma and 80,000 in Booni to listen to their spiritual leader. The spiritual leader of Ismaili community said that he had a strong bond with Chitral and was aware of the problems of the area.

Earlier, Member National Assembly Shahzada Iftikharuddin, District Nazim Maghfirat Shah and government officials received Prince Karim Aga Khan at the Chitral Airport. He was scheduled to reach Chitral on C-130. However, his arrival was delayed by three hours due to inclement weather and he reached the district via helicopter.