What's New
Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 World
7 March 2021
As Diane Mariechild eloquently quoted, "A woman is a full circle; within her is the power to create, nurture and transform." With this notion in mind, ‘Women’s Day’ is celebrated annually on the 8th of March around the world. Although the initiative to celebrate Women’s Day was designated in 1909, it was not until 1977 when the United Nations officially recognized the 8th of March as a day to pay tribute to women and their achievements, regardless of their religious, ethnic, social and economic backgrounds.
VIDEO: Know your Nikahnama / Marriage Contract
1 March 2021
In the quest for a memorable occasion, the bride and groom often overlook one fundamental detail which, as it happens, will seal their impending marriage: the Nikahnama. A Nikahnama is a formal, legally binding contract that solemnises the bride and groom’s union in accordance with Sharia. It outlines the rights and obligations of the newlyweds in Islamic marriage proceedings. This video presses upon the importance of a Nikahnama and its clauses, which a bride and groom should read and understand before signing.
Closing the Gap for Economic Growth
28 February 2021
World-renowned for the succulent cherries of Pakistan, this delicious fruit from Hunza almost missed its yearly market debut. Cherry-picking in Hunza was not the same during the COVID-19 pandemic. Oftentimes, traders would book cherry trees and ensure the picking, packaging and transportation of this delicious fruit to market, compensating tree ‘owners’ accordingly. The shutdowns and lockdowns, due to COVID-19, left the cherry growers in a state of dismay, with no intermediaries to link them to market. The Aga Khan Economic Planning Board (AKEPB) stepped in to initiate a programme to impart proper techniques of cherry-picking, packaging and linking the growers directly to the market. By filling the market linkage gap, AKEPB saved the cherry growers’ annual income and the wastage of the fruit.
Shining Star - Dr. Zubaida Sirang
25 February 2021
An ophthalmologist and alumna of the Aga Khan University (AKU), Dr. Zubaida Sirang’s book Optics Made Easy: Last Minute Review of Clinical Optics, has been selected for the “Best Ophthalmology Books of All Time” list by BookAuthority, a leading website for book recommendations which curates books on a wide range of topics. As the only woman from Pakistan to receive the HSE - CPSP (Health Service Executive – College of Physicians and Surgeons of Pakistan) fellowship, Dr. Sirang went on to complete her specialisation in Ireland. She is a member of the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh, as well as the International Council for Ophthalmology, UK. Throughout her career, Dr. Sirang has attached great significance to serving her community and is currently working with the Aga Khan Health Services to establish ophthalmology facilities in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.
Transforming Lives: Sharifullah – Saving for Generations to Come
12 January 2021
Sharifullah, a resident of Immit, in Ishkoman Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan believes prosperity lies in saving for future generations. While working as a farmer, Sharifullah barely earned enough to feed his family. “Even if I can save 10 or 20 rupees a day, I will save it. I want my children and their children to have a bright future,” says Sharifullah.
Pakistani Ismailis featured in “100 Outstanding Women Nurses and Midwives” List
4 January 2021
Eight Ismaili women of Pakistani origin were honoured with recognition in the list of 100 Outstanding Women Nurses and Midwives. They were among the 100 women from 43 countries who were acknowledged for making significant contributions to the fields of nursing and midwifery. The list was a collaboration between several major development agencies focused on global health and nursing which included the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Nursing Now, International Council of Nurses (ICN), International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) and Women in Global Health (WGH).
Evaluation & Feedback | Farhad Karamally
28 December 2020
Presented by Volunteer's Capacity Building Portfolio, Council for Pakistan
Transforming Lives - Pursuing dreams on the roof of the world
25 November 2020
After graduation, 13-year-old Sadaqat Shah aspires to become a writer. Although he suffers from an impairment since childhood and the distance from his village to the school is 2km, he does not allow his frailty, or the stretch of road, to hinder the path of achieving his dream.
Offering opportunities and transforming lives
25 November 2020
The Ismaili Council for Pakistan's Socio-Economic Development Programme supports access to quality education, so that children like Sadaqat can achieve their dreams and empower their families.
Video: Pursuing dreams on the roof of the world
25 November 2020
Sadaqat aspires to become a writer. Although he suffers from a childhood impairment and the distance from his village to school is two kilometres, he does not allow his condition or the stretch of road to hinder him on the path to achieving his dream.
6 Principles of a Successful Meeting - Dr. Arif Pyarali
19 November 2020
Presented by Volunteer's Capacity Building Portfolio, Council for Pakistan
