CHITRAL: The power of leadership through personal example is vividly illustrated by the activities going on in Chitral and GB with relation to the forthcoming visit and activities of the religious Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan. His participation in a London Marathon event last month was not merely a symbolic gesture; it became an inspiring public example for his followers. The event received considerable attention, and its impact was soon visible in the Northern Areas of Pakistan, where many young people and community members enthusiastically took to trekking, jogging, and other healthy outdoor activities. This demonstrates how the conduct of a respected leader can influence society far more effectively than mere words or sermons.
However, the influence of exemplary leadership need not remain confined to physical fitness alone. If community leaders and institutions equally highlight other admirable qualities associated with the Aga Khan – such as truthfulness, sincerity towards his people, humility, discipline, compassion, and the importance of being a good human being – these values too can deeply shape the character of the community. In a country like Pakistan, where society is in dire need of honesty, empathy, civic responsibility, and mutual respect, such leadership by example can become a powerful force for moral and social transformation. History repeatedly shows that people are far more likely to adopt virtues when they see them practiced consistently by those they admire and trust. — CN report, 19 May 2025
2 thoughts on “The moral strength of leadership by example”
His Highness The Aga Khan recently concluded his first visit to the Chitral and Gilgit regions after assuming the title. It was a demanding four-day tour during which he deeply impressed his followers as well as other Chitralis with his nobility, humility and down-to-earth demeanour while interacting with the people. His contribution to the structural and social development of the region has become so profound that both the Governor and the Chief Minister, who came to receive him at Chitral Airport, requested him to establish a hospital and a university in Peshawar. This request in itself is an eye-opener. It highlights the remarkable efficacy of an NGO in contrast to government institutions which possess vastly greater financial resources. The question naturally arises: why should a government seek assistance from an NGO for such essential services? The answer speaks volumes about the difference in vision, management, and utilisation of resources between the two. There is much the government can learn from the AKDN in terms of governance, planning, and financial management.
I fully agree with the editorial that leadership plays a vital role in the positive and meaningful development of a nation, community, or group. Leadership becomes even more influential when it carries a religious and moral dimension, as in the case of the Ismaili community where Prince Rahim Aga Khan who is widely regarded as one of the most successful and development-oriented leaders in the developing world.
In Ismaili community the Imam’s guidance is followed by the community in almost every aspect of life. However, financial and economic matters often become an exception. In Chitral & NAs people were traditionally known for honesty, trust, and social responsibility before the arrival of the modern cash economy. With increasing commercialization and cash dealings, many traditional values have weakened, and honesty in business practices have also suffered.
There are several examples often discussed within the community. In the 80s one Ismaili businessman was involved in share selling in Islamabad who allegedly deceived investors and collected large sums of money in selling cement shares and later fled to the UK. The affected investors reportedly approached Zia-ul-Haq, who then contacted the Imam directly regarding this matter.
There are many incidents every year like this in the Ismaili business community particularly in the US, which I don’t want to mention here because some are directly and some indirectly related to Chitral. One gold business is under investigations currently, happened after Imam’s recent visit to Texas, though Imam had mentioned in honesty in business.
These incidents highlight an important social reality: Ismaili may deeply respect and spiritually follow their religious leadership, yet ethical guidance in economic and financial matters is mostly neglected. So we can say when it comes to financial matters, there is no difference between Ismaili and non Ismaili nowadays.