BY KAMRAN KHAMISO KHOWAJA
KARACHI: The 144th birth anniversary of Sir Sultan Mohammad Shah, Aga Khan III’s being observed today. He stands among those leaders who paved the way for the creation of Pakistan. Apart from being the 48th spiritual leader of the Shia Imami Ismaili community, Aga Khan III also played a prominent role in world history particularly the Pakistan Movement.
He was the leader of the Simla deputation that persuaded the British government to accept Muslims demands, which said the position accorded to the Muslim community should be consummate not merely with their numerical strength but also with their political importance.
In 1937, he was also appointed chairman of the League of Nations. His contribution to Aligarh University made him a great figure in the history of the Subcontinent. In recognition of his services to education he was appointed chancellor of Aligarh University.In 1946, he suggested that Arabic should be Pakistan’s national language. developing countries.
After independence when the language crisis were sprouting he proposed that Arabic should be made the national language of Pakistan because it would strengthen our ties with Muslim countries and the issue of Language would be resolved once for all.
Following in his footsteps, his grandson and successor Prince Karim Aga Khan established a network of social, cultural and economic institutions which are now serving more than 25 under.