— Staff Reporter
Princess Zahra Aga Khan was in Vancouver last night to accept a $1-million prize recognizing the philanthropy of the world’s Ismaili Muslim community.
Princess Zahra, the eldest of the Aga Khan’s four children, arrived in secrecy and was entertained at a gala event by Canadian singer Chantal Kreviazuk.
“It’s a private and short visit only for this event,” said Dr. Iqbal Ahmed, spokesman for the Ismaili Council of Canada.
The Aga Khan is the Paris-based spiritual leader of the world’s 15 million Ismaili Muslims and oversees several social and economic development groups.
The Aga Khan Development Network donated $50 million to help rebuild earthquake devastated parts of Pakistan. Its subsidiary, the Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, has won the $1-million US Alcan prize for sustainability.
The award recognized work improving water quality and provisions in impoverished areas of Pakistan.
In a prepared statement, Princess Zahra said the Aga Khan Foundation Canada would match the Alcan donation. “It’s a clear example, to take a phrase from the Alcan brochure, of working diligently to make the world a better place,” she said.
Princess Zahra is expected to leave Vancouver today.
[Photo] PRINCESS ZAHRA AGA KHAN [Photo] CHANTAL KREVIAZUK