United States of America visit

This afternoon, Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived in Austin as a guest of the Governor of Texas, for the first leg of his Golden Jubilee visit to the United States of America . Mawlana Hazar Imam, who was also accompanied by Princess Zahra, was received by Mayor Will Wynn of Austin, Deputy Secretary of State for Texas Coby Shorter III, other Texas dignitaries, and leaders of the USA Jamat. Mayor Wynn welcomed Mawlana Hazar Imam, presenting him with the Key to the City of Austin . As part of the colourful arrival ceremony, witnessed by hundreds of leaders of the Jamat from across the United States , the University of Texas Trumpet Octet performed the US National Anthem and the Nashid al-Imamah.

Mawlana Hazar Imam and Princess Zahra walk under a sabre arch salute presented by the Sol Ross volunteers of Texas , as they disembark in Austin , USA . Photo: Gary Otte

Mayor Will Wynn of Austin presents Mawlana Hazar Imam with the Key to the City of Austin upon his arrival in the USA . Photo: Zahur Ramji

Mawlana Hazar Imam and Princess Zahra accompanied by Mayor Will Wynn of Austin (right), President Mahmoud Eboo of the Ismaili Council for USA, Texas State Representative Donna Howard, and Mrs Karima Eboo, during the playing of Nashid al Imamah. Photo: Gary Otte

Mawlana Hazar Imam, accompanied by Mayor Will Wynn of Austin , waving to the leaders of the Jamat at Austin airport. Photo: Gary Otte

Mawlana Hazar Imam, accompanied by Mayor Will Wynn of Austin , waving to the leaders of the Jamat at Austin airport. Photo: Gary Otte

Leaders of the Jamat from across the USA welcoming Mawlana Hazar Imam at Austin airport. Photo: Zahur Ramji

Mawlana Hazar Imam departing from Austin airport. Photo: Zahur Ramji