Solidarity letter from WF to Aga Khan on Ismaili massacre in Karachi

His Highness Prince Shah Karim Al Hussaini Aga Khan IV.

Department of Communications

Secretariat of His Highness the Aga Khan

Aiglemont estate,

60270 Gouvieux,

France

Salaam’un Alaykum, Your Highness.

It is with a deep sense of grief that we learned of the tragic development in Karachi leading to the assassination of 46 members of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslim community.

The sad happenings in Pakistan with its unending spate of sectarian killings targeting especially the Shia communities give cause for much concern. In this case, targeting of members of the Ismaili community is indeed distressing to note. In this moment of grief, our thoughts and prayers are with the deceased and their respective families.

On behalf of the global Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Community, I write to convey our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Your Highness and to the entire Ismaili community for this tragic development.

Sadly, the sectarian malaise appears to be gaining momentum as a global phenomenon and we can only hope and pray that good sense will prevail among diverse religious leaders to spread the message of love and tolerance in true Islamic spirit. It is particularly tragic that the Shias and in particular Ismaili community, which has a strong and long-standing record of positive contribution to Pakistani society, is also the victim of this senseless hatred. It is also to be hoped that the political leadership in Pakistan will be able to address to and eradicate the root causes of such senseless sectarian movements.

Our two communities share a close relationship, a union that is reinforced by a common history and shared values. During this time of immense strife and sadness, we hope that once again we can stand together and demonstrate a united front in the face of hostility.

Your Highness, while conveying our condolences and sympathy to the entire Ismaili community, we share with you our sense of grief and pain as we beseech divine Mercy for good sense and understanding to prevail in Pakistan where people following diverse faiths can live in peace and harmony.

With heartfelt sympathy and condolences.

Dr Asgarali Moledina

President