KHOROG, November 4, 2008, Asia-Plus – On Monday November 3, His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, and founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), attended the groundbreaking ceremony for construction of the Ismaili Cultural-Educational Center, Jamoatkhona, in Khorog, Gorno Badakhshan.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Aga Khan said that the Center should promote combining efforts to develop mutual understanding and stability in the region. In cooperation with and with support of the Government of Tajikistan and President Emomali Rahmon we are taking measures to transform Khorog into the gem of the Pamirs and one of cultural-educational centers of the region, His Highness the Aga Khan said. With that end in view we began constructing this Center, the University of Central Asia (UCA) and hotels, rehabilitate central parks and implement different projects aimed at development of education and health sectors and preservation of cultural relics in the region, His Highness stressed.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the GBAO governor Qodir Qosim pointed out contribution of the Government of Tajikistan and the AKDN agencies to solution of the pressing problems facing Gorno Badakhshan in the energy, communications, agrarian and other sectors. “We are confident that the Ismaili Cultural-Educational Center will play an important role in formation and development of universal humanistic ideas,” the governor said.
Tajik First Deputy Prime Minster, Asadullo Ghulomov, the Afghan Badakhshan governor and other local and foreign guests, totaling some 10,000 people, attended the ceremony.
Yesterday, His Highness the Aga Khan also visited the Khorog Park, which is currently being rehabilitated by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, and the School for Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE) of the University of Central Asia (UCA) in Khorog.
