The Aga Khan in the mountains of Northern Pakistan, with an exclusive narrative of his visit to Passu, Hunza

May 29, 2026

Prepared and compiled by MALIK MERCHANT
with the Didar narrative in Passu by FAQIR ULLAH KHAN-GHULAM KADIR

This condensed pictorial account of Mawlana Hazar Imam Shah Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan’s historic visit to Pakistan from May 20 to 26, 2026, draws on material from our sister website Barakah and the official website of the Ismaili community, as well as photographs published for the first time and submitted by our correspondents in Hunza and Chitral.

I. PRE-ARRIVAL PREPRATIONS

*The construction phase of the stage for Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan’s encounter with the Jamat gathering in Passu, Hunza. Photograph: Faqir Ullah Khan-Ghulam Kadir.*

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The lounge building for Mawlana Hazar Imam under construction at the Passu Didargah using stone bricks by skilled masons from Yasin and the Gojal-Hunza Valley. Photograph: Faqir Ullah Khan-Ghulam Kadir.

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*The completed Imamat lounge, Passu, Hunza, Photograph: Faqir Ullah Khan-Ghulam Kadir.*

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*Youth in Passu, Hunza, decorate the poplar trees and mountains with split lighting for Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit. Photograph: Faqir Ullah Khan-Ghulam Kadir*.

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*Upper Chitral walkathon participants, May 14, 2026. Photograph: Via Fakhr-e-Alam.*

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*Ninety-five-year-old Aman Baig from Sherisabz, Chipurson, participated in the 5 km category of the Marathon Race in Passu, Hunza. Photograph: Faqir Ullah Khan-Ghulam Kadir.*

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A bird’s-eye view of the Didargah — Didar venue — in Upper Chitral, where Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, bestowed his Didar on tens of thousands of members of his community. Photograph: Via Fakhr-e-Alam.

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II. THE AGA KHAN IN PAKISTAN

May 20-21, 2026: The Aga Khan’s arrival and reception in the capital, Islamabad

President Asif Ali Zardari looks on as the Aga Khan is presented with a bouquet of flowers by a young Ismaili volunteer upon his arrival in Islamabad to begin his seven-day official visit to Pakistan. Photograph: IPL / Akber Hakim.

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President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir accompany the Aga Khan at a state banquet at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad. Photograph: Photo: AKDN / Akbar Hakim.

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Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif presents the Aga Khan with a commemorative stamp issued by Pakistan Post to honour Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, for his services to Pakistan. Photograph: AKDN / Akbar Hakim.

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May 22-26, 2026: The Aga Khan’s six-day Didar journey through the mountains of Northern Pakistan

(1) MAY 22, 2026: THE AGA KHAN IN PASSU: AN EXCLUSIVE NARRATIVE

The Aga Khan graces tens of thousands of Ismailis in Passu, Hunza, with a Didar. *Photograph: IPL / Akbar Hakim.*

By FAQIR ULLAH KHAN-GHULAM KADIR

The historic Didar — literally a glimpse — of Mawlana Hazar Imam Shah Rahim al-Hussaini in Passu, Hunza, was not only a spiritual gathering but also a remarkable example of unity, hospitality, sacrifice, and devotion. As thousands of Jamati members from southern Hunza were expected to travel to Passu, extensive arrangements were made months in advance. The Local Councils of Gulmit and Gojal Bala coordinated accommodation plans after conducting detailed surveys. Differently Abled Individuals (DAIs), bedridden patients, pregnant women, mothers with newborns, and infants were warmly hosted in the traditional homes of Passu villagers. The spirit of service and compassion reflected the true values of a united Jamat.

Aga Khan in the mountains of Pakistan — *Ismaili community members from outside Passu were accommodated in homes and tents, including those shown in the picture. Photograph: Faqir-Ullah Khan.*

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*Colourful bands perform ahead of the Aga Khan’s arrival in Passu.* *Photograph: Faqir-Ullah Khan.*

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Aga Khan in the mountains — *Decorations in Passu. Photograph: Sid Jan Photography.*

Despite the extraordinary preparations, the weather in May posed a major test. The camps endured a freezing night followed by heavy rain from early dawn until around 8:00 a.m. Yet the faith and dedication of the Jamat remained unshaken. Thousands began walking toward the Passu Didargah from 4:00 a.m. to reserve their places, despite the rain-soaked conditions. The Karakoram Highway was overwhelmed with traffic, and Passu looked like a bustling megacity filled with spiritual excitement. A few minutes before approaching Passu, you leave behind at the entrance of the Shimshal Valley, one of the planet’s most bizarre and majestic mountain formations: the Passu Cones, also known as the Passu Cathedral. Rising to an elevation of 6,106 meters (20,033 feet), these iconic Karakoram peaks are celebrated for their dramatic, symmetrical spires and striking golden glow during sunrise and sunset.

The Aga Khan in the Mountains — *From Shimshal to Passu and back, these three Ismaili youth, Samana Rahim, who is also a mountaineer, Itibar Shah and Didar Shah, trekked the route over a few days, designating it a Peace Walk*. *Photograph: Faqir-Ullah Khan.*

Among the thousands who trekked from Shimshal to Passu — a distance of around 60 kms — were my friends Didar Shah, Samana Rahim and Itibar Shah. They completed their walk, which they designated the Peace Walk, over a few days, crossing the unbridged Shimshal River, a major tributary of the Hunza River, as well as several glacial streams.

The entire atmosphere at the Didargah reflected the timeless words of our beloved 49th Imam. Mawlana Shah Karim al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV:

“No mountain, no river, no desert can stop the love of the Imam for his Jamat worldwide.”

At around 10:00 a.m., the long-awaited announcement was made that Hazar Imam had arrived in Gilgit from Islamabad and was heading to Hunza by helicopter. As the Jamat prayed with gratitude and emotion, the dark skies suddenly cleared, creating an unforgettable moment of spiritual awe.

From the vantage point of Pitkmiss Sar, I witnessed the breathtaking arrival of Hazar Imam’s helicopter and captured the historic landing in Passu. Shortly afterward, I descended quickly and reached the Didargah before the Farman Mubarak began, where I was blessed with the luminous Didar.

*The Aga Khan walks among tens of thousands of his Ismaili followers in Passu, Hunza, as he graces them with a Didar amid the beautiful setting of the Didargah. Photograph: IPL / Akbar Hakim.*

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*The Aga Khan walks among his Ismaili followers in Passu, Hunza. Photograph: IPL / Akbar Hakim.*

After briefly visiting the Imamat Lounge and donning the traditional cap, Hazar Imam entered the main Pindal through a beautifully crafted, four-pillared gate, designed in traditional architectural style by local youth and artisans. He then walked gracefully along a nearly one-kilometre ramp toward the stage, before more than 80,000 murids.

In his Farman Mubarak, Hazar Imam emphasized unity, faith, education, service, and respect for institutions. He particularly encouraged youth to think globally, deepen their education, and improve their English to better understand the changing world.

The Aga Khan in Pakistan's Mountains — *The Aga Khan clutches a precious item in his hand as the Mukhi, Kamadia, Mukhiani and Kamadiani bid him farewell after the Passu Didar.*

One touching moment occurred when Hazar Imam turned back to bless a newborn baby while greeting murids along the red carpet. He also spent special time visiting the DAIs and patient sheds. Among them was volunteer Liaqat Ali from Hussaini, who had been injured during the facility’s construction and was recovering.

*Members of the Ismaili community gathered in Passu wave farewell to the Aga Khan as his helicopter circles the Didargah in Passu. Photograph: IPL / Taseer Beyg.*

As Hazar Imam departed by helicopter, he circled twice above the Didargah, waving lovingly toward the Jamat below. Murids responded with tears, prayers, and heartfelt devotion. Soon after the helicopter disappeared into the mountains, strong winds and heavy rain returned.

Despite exhaustion and harsh weather, the Jamat displayed remarkable resilience. Many returned home late at night, while others stayed in camps or were once again hosted generously by the people of Passu and neighbouring villages. The hospitality shown throughout Gojal demonstrated the beauty of unity, in which every guest was treated with love, dignity, and care as One Jamat.

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(2) MAY 22-26, 2026: THE AGA KHAN WITH HIS PEOPLE IN OTHER MOUNTAINOUS SETTINGS IN GILGIT-BALTISTAN AND IN UPPER AND LOWER CHITRAL

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The Aga Khan in the mountains of Pakistan — *The Aga Khan on stage in Garamchashma, Lower Chitral. Photograph: IPL / Akbar Hakim*.

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In this awe-inspiring photo, the Mukhi, Kamadia, Mukhiani and Kamadiani bid an emotional and loving farewell to the Aga Khan after the second Didar in Gahkuch, Gilgit-Baltistan. Photograph: IPL / Akbar Hakim.

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*Ismailis, with respect and devotion, have the Didar of the Aga Khan as he walks through the Didar venue at Taus. Photograph: IPL / Akbar Hakim.*

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The Aga Khan in the Mountaisn of Pakistan — The Aga Khan lovingly graces his Ismaili followers gathered in Garamchashma, Lower Chitral, with a Didar before returning to Islamabad to conclude his seven-day visit to Pakistan. Photograph: IPL / Akbar Hakim.

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The Ismailis’ pledges of love, devotion, and gratitude to the Aga Khan

The President of the Aga Khan Ismaili Council for Pakistan, Nizar Mewawalla, presents the Aga Khan, with an art installation featuring pledges of love and gratitude from the Ismaili community in Northern Pakistan to their beloved 50th Imam. Photograph: IPL / Akbar Hakim.

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Aga Khan in the mountains of Northern Pakistan — A selection of heartfelt pledges made by Ismailis on stones, expressing their love and dedication to the Aga Khan, their 50th Imam. They were part of art installations presented to the Aga Khan at multiple Didar locations in Northern Pakistan. Photographs: Faqir Ullah Khan-Ghulam Kadir.

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May 26, 2026: A farewell reception for the Aga Khan in Islamabad and his departure

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OFFICIAL VIDEOS OF THE AGA KHAN’S VISIT TO HIS ISMAILI COMMUNITIES IN THE MOUNTAINS OF NORTHERN PAKISTAN

The Ismaili Update 3: The video highlights the Aga Khan’s arrival in Gilgit and his subsequent helicopter flight to Passu in Hunza to bestow his Didar upon the Ismailis in the region.

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The Ismaili Update 4: The video highlights Mawlana Hazar Imam’s visit to Parwak in Upper Chitral and, later that afternoon, to Gahkuch Bala in the Ishkoman-Punial Region, to grace the Jamats with Didar.

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The Ismaili Update 5: The video highlights Mawlana Hazar Imam’s second Didar in Parwak and Gahkuch Bala, after which he travelled to Gilgit, where he granted Didar to Jamati members from the Gilgit region.

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The Ismaili Update 6: This video highlights Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Didar in Taus in Gilgit-Baltistan and the visit’s final Didar in Garamchashma, Upper Chitral. Hazar Imam also met the provincial government officials in Chitral before returning to Islamabad.

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The Ismaili Update 7: The video highlights a reception at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad, where Mawlana Hazar Imam met with Ismaili institutional and AKDN leadership and staff from across Pakistan, before departing the country. The final episode also captures a full visit recap of the visit.

Date posted: May 29, 2026.

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About the contributor: An Aga Khan Education Services Pakistan (AKESP) teacher, educator, instructional leader, and Study of United States Institute (SUSI) alumnus, Faqir Ullah Khan-Ghulam Kadir, has served across Early Childhood Education (ECD) to college levels, fostering learning and leadership. As Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board (AKYSB) Chairman and an Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board (ITREB) educator, he has contributed to strengthening youth and religious education. From nurturing students at Shah Karim Hostel in Gilgit to leading innovative initiatives such as the Mountain Folk Music Integration Program and community-based college development, Faqir’s journey reflects a commitment to transformative education, global exposure, and the empowerment of diverse, remote communities.

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EXTENDED COVERAGE IN BARAKAH AND THE ISMAILI

For comprehensive coverage of the Aga Khan’s visit to Pakistan, including links to external media, we invite you to visit our sister website, Barakah, dedicated to the Aga Khan, his family, and the Ismaili Imamat. Launched in 2017 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of His Late Highness Aga Khan IV (d. February 4, 2025, aged 89).

The visit has also been covered extensively on the official websites of the Ismaili community (The Ismaili) and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). Please visit the following links:

The Ismaili Update videos (note: we have provided the YouTube videos in our coverage above)

Part 1: Official arrival and meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari
Part 2: Meeting with Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif
Part 3: Arrival in Gilgit and didar in Passu, Hunza
Part 4: Didars in Parwak, Chitral, and Gahkuch, Ishkoman-Punial
Part 5: Didar in Gilgit, and second didars in Parwak and Gahkuch
Part 6: Institutional Reception and departure

Articles and photos

AKDN press releases

The Ismaili Sounds releases

Category : Sacred Spaces, Simergphotos, Travel Essays, World Events

Tags : Chitral, Didar, Gilgit-Baltistan, historic visit, Ismaili Imamat, Ismailis, Mawlana Hazar Imam, Northern Pakistan, Shah Rahim al-Hussaini, The Aga Khan

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