New jamatkhanas in Northern Pakistan serve as catalysts for improving quality of life

Gilgit-Baltistan (formerly known as the Northern Areas of Pakistan) is home to communities belonging to different cultures, ethnicities and language groups, who have historically lived together in peace and tranquillity. Ismaili Muslims are among those with a strong presence in the region, including in neighbouring Chitral in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and many jamatkhanas are located throughout the area.But Pakistan’s northern regions are also part of a seismically unstable zone, and are prone to earthquakes, floods, landslides and droughts. Living conditions are harsh, with temperatures fluctuating between -15 to +40 degrees Celsius. Perhaps one of the most tangible indicators of poverty is the deteriorating housing conditions.

“Superstars” near and far work to help the people of Pakistan in the wake of flooding

According to the United Nations, the flooding in Pakistan is the greatest humanitarian crisis in recent history, affecting more people than the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the recent earthquakes in Kashmir and Haiti combined.
Over 1 600 people are reported to have died and 20 million people are believed to have been affected by the floods. The aftermath presents a serious risk to survivors from potentially deadly diseases like cholera, which can spread as a result of contaminated surface and drinking water.
Despite the magnitude of the disaster and the scale of its impact, many in the international community remain unaware, and the attention garnered early on has waned. Through individual and organised institutional efforts, many Ismailis, together with others in Pakistan and around the world, have sought to raise awareness and funds to support flood relief efforts.

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