Premier John Horgan has issued the following statement marking Imamat Day:

“On Imamat Day, we join Ismaili Muslims in British Columbia and around the world in celebrating the anniversary of the ascension of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV to the Throne of the Imamat. Sixty-four years ago, on July 11, 1957, His Highness The Aga Khan became the 49th Hereditary Imam, the spiritual leader of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims.

“The Aga Khan has dedicated his life to promoting pluralism and peace, while working selflessly towards reducing poverty and defending the rights of the world’s most vulnerable. He has been a tireless champion of education and health care. His stature as a global humanitarian leader who advocates on behalf of people of all faiths and backgrounds is an inspiration to all who seek to build a better world.

“It was my great honour to meet the Aga Khan in Vancouver in 2018 to mark his Diamond Jubilee. His example is a lesson for us all in the importance of compassion and volunteerism.

“I wish all Ismaili British Columbians celebrating today a heartfelt Khushiali Mubarak!”

For translations, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021PREM0052-001327#translations