DUSHANBE, June 29, Asia-Plus – The exact date of President Emomali Rahmon’s visit to the Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO), which is scheduled for July, has not yet been determined, an official source in the Tajik government told Asia-Plus in an interview.
According to him, president’s visit to Gorno Badakhshan will coincide with the visit of His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary Imam (Spiritual Leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and the founder of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), to the region.
A number of facilities will be commissioned in Gorno Badakhshan during a visit of the dignitaries, the source said, noting that President Rahmon and His Highness the Aga Khan will hold meetings with the population.
Founded and guided by His Highness the Aga Khan, the Aga Khan Development Network brings together a number of development agencies, institutions, and programs that work to empower communities and individuals to improve living conditions and opportunities, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East. The Network’s development agencies focus on social, cultural and economic development for all citizens, regardless of gender, origin or religion. AKDN’s underlying ethic is compassion for the vulnerable in society.
AKDN agencies work in Tajikistan in a range of areas—from economic development to education, rural development to cultural revitalization, health care to financial services. Operating in the country since 1992, AKDN draws on a strong base of experience in working with mountain societies. The Network is present in all regions of Tajikistan through its operations and investments.
