Pictures credit: Karim Ullah
Chitral, Feb 21, 2026: Two sites have been selected in Upper and Lower Chitral as Didargahs for the expected visit of His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan, the 50th Imam of the Ismaili Muslim community.
In Upper Chitral, a new site has been chosen as the Didargah, while in Lower Chitral the Imam will meet his followers at the same private land in Garam Chashma where the 49th Imam Shah Karim had gave Didar in 2017.
The first visit of any Ismaili Imam to Chitral was in March 1976, when Shah Karim Aga Khan IV, the 49 Imam, gave Didar to Ismailis in Chinar Mastuj and Garam Chashma. The 49th Imam later met his followers in Chinar Mastuj in 1984, and then again in 1987 in Zbrep, Booni and Garam Chashma.
Prince Karim Aga Khan gave Didar to his followers in December 2017 in Booni and Garam Chashma, the last ones before his passing in Feb 2025.
Officials in the local council told ChitraToday that Nisur Gol area of Parwak has been formally selected as the Didargah in Upper Chitral.
The decision was made following a detailed review and inspection by representatives of the Ismaili National Council Pakistan.
The team visited Chitral on Feb 20 to assess the accessibility, capacity, security considerations and natural surroundings of the Didargahs.
The delegation expressed satisfaction with the location, noting that Parwak Nisur Gol was capable of accommodating large gatherings of the Jamat for the sacred occasion of Didar.
According to community sources, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V is expected to visit Chitral and various parts of Gilgit-Baltistan later this year, where he is anticipated to meet members of the Ismaili community.
Local leaders and volunteers have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring comprehensive arrangements and smooth coordination for the anticipated visit.
Preparatory efforts are expected to begin in collaboration with regional institutions and community stakeholders.
The venue for the congregation in Lower Chitral will be the same private property owned by Shahzada Taimoor Khisraw in Garam Chashma where His Highness Prince Karim Aga gave Didar to Ismailis in December 2017.
This site is capable of accommodatung about 50,000 to 60,000 followers of the Aga Khan.
It will be the first visit of Prince Rahim Aga as the 50th Imam of the Ismailis.
Related:
Thousands gather for Didar of His Highness in Chitral today.
Prince Rahim begins visit to meet followers after accession as Imam.
Sunni elders join Ismailis to prepare Didargah for Aga Khan’s visit.
Aga Khan asks followers to build good relations with other communities.
Booni Darbar and future course of action.
