THE 141st 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.

The Aga Khan was also instrumental in the creation of the All India Muslim League and was unanimously elected its first president.

As a far-sighted leader he worked tirelessly for the educational uplift of the subcontinent`s Muslims. He started a successful fund-raising campaign to make Aligarh a university and became its first chancellor. He was the moving spirit behind the spread of a network of Aga Khan cchools and hospitals all over the subcontinent.

Sir Sultan also authored many books.

India in Transition and The Memoirs of Aga Khan are among his more renowned worl(s. Many titles and awards were bestowed upon him for his contributions and services.

In his message on Pakistan`s independence, he said: `Pakistan is now an accomplished fact. We should work for development and progress of this country by keeping strong faith in God and following the principles of Islam.` His work will always remain a source of guidance for all Muslims, particularly Pakistanis.

Kamran Khamiso Khowaja Sujawal