Statements on the 76th Birthday of His Highness Aga Khan IV

Statement by Member of Parliament Joyce Murray on the 76th Birthday of His Highness Aga Khan IV

76th Birthday of His Highness Aga Khan IV
Statement by Joyce Murray, Member of Parliament for
Vancouver Quadra and Liberal Critic for Small Business and Tourism

It is with great pleasure that I extend my best wishes to His Highness Shah Karim al-Hussayni, the fourth Aga Khan and 49th Imam of Ismaili Islam, on the occasion of his 76th birthday.

Since becoming the Aga Khan in 1957, Prince Karim has been an inspiration to Ismaili Muslims and others around the world. He has worked tirelessly to promote both religious and racial tolerance. His strong belief in education has inspired young Ismaili people around the world to achieve post-secondary educational success.

In 1967, His Highness the Aga Khan founded the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) as a private, not-for-profit international development agency. The Aga Khan Foundation seeks to provide long-term solutions to problems of poverty, hunger, illiteracy and ill health in the poorest parts of South and Central Asia; Eastern and Western Africa; and, the Middle East. The Aga Khan Foundation works in close conjunction with The Aga Khan Development Network, a group of development agencies with mandates that include the environment; health; education; architecture; culture; microfinance; rural development; disaster reduction; the promotion of private-sector enterprise; and, the revitalization of historic cities. The Aga Khan Foundation and the Aga Khan Development Network agencies conduct their programs without regard to faith, origin or gender.

In Canada, His Highness has inspired Ismailis to work with the broader community in raising significant funds for worthwhile causes, helping many Canadians. On June 6, 2005, His Highness was recognized as an Honorary Companion of the Order of Canada in recognition of a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation.

Congratulations to all my friends in the Ismaili Community – it is a pleasure to wish His Highness the best of success and many happy returns.

http://joycemurray.liberal.ca/blog/enews/blog-enews/statement-76th-birthday-highness-aga-khan-iv/

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STATEMENT

For Immediate Release 2012PREM0157-002018 Dec. 13, 2012

Office of the Premier

Statement on the Birthday of His Highness The Aga Khan

VICTORIA – To mark this occasion, Premier Christy Clark has issued the following statement:

"It is a pleasure to congratulate His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan on the occasion of his birthday.

"For millions of Ismailis around the globe, His Highness provides spiritual guidance, but since becoming the Aga Khan over 50 years ago, has also become one of the world's greatest statesmen. His work to build bridges across religious and ethnic divides has resulted in real change. His Highness also has been a tireless advocate for peace, prosperity, and equality.

"His Highness has touched many lives in Canada and British Columbia, not least through his non-profit foundations, including the Aga Khan Foundation Canada. I personally look forward to the Aga Khan Partnership Walk each May, which supports his goal of ending global poverty.

"In one of the most diverse provinces in one of the most diverse countries in the world, the Aga Khan has provided real leadership, and an example of the difference kindness, generosity, and tolerance can make.

"I know I speak on behalf of all British Columbians when I thank His Highness for everything he has done, and join with the Ismaili community in wishing His Highness a very happy birthday."

Contact:

Mike Morton Press Secretary Office of the Premier 250 661-1015

http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2009-2013/2012PREM0157-002018.htm

BIRTHDAY: His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan feted by B.C. premier, Ismaili community

LARISSA CAHUTE
VANCOUVER DESI
The Ismaili community across British Columbia will gather for a prayer Thursday evening to recognize His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan’s 76th birthday.
“It’s a very important time for everyone to celebrate and reflect on the vast work that His Highness has undertaken around the world,” said Ali Solehdin, a volunteer from within the Ismaili community.
The now 76-year-old Ismaili spiritual leader is believed to be a direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad and is the 49th Imam of the Ismailis. He’s developed the Aga Khan Development Network, which has helped numerous people in developing parts of the world as well as the Aga Khan Foundation Canada.
It’s already been a memorable year for the Ismaili community as they recognized 40 years in Canada since they were expelled from Uganda in 1972.
Honourary Counsel of Uganda, John Halani, attributes much of B.C.’s multiculturalism to the Aga Khan’s work.
“Forty years ago he did meet the Prime Minister of Canada (so) people from Uganda (could) come here,” he said. “That’s how we all came down to settle in Canada – partly because of him.”
If he hadn’t have paved the way, Halani may not be in Canada today.
And since their arrival, His Highness has provided guidance.
“We appreciate the guidance that he has given to the community,” he said. “A lot of advice that he gives to us is to be involved in the community and involved in the face of the province, of the country.”
Premier Christy Clark also extended her best wishes as well.
“In one of the most diverse provinces in one of the most diverse countries in the world, the Aga Khan has provided real leadership, and an example of the difference kindness, generosity, and tolerance can make,” Clark said in a release. “I know I speak on behalf of all British Columbians when I thank His Highness for everything he has done, and join with the Ismaili community in wishing His Highness a very happy birthday.”
An evening prayer will be held in his honour in many community centres and jamatkhanas Thursday night.

 http://www.vancouverdesi.com/news/birthday-his-highness-prince-karim-aga-khan-feted-by-b-c-premier-ismaili-community/401519/