After two years of voluntary exile yesterday, the former premier attended celebrations marking the 19th anniversary of the assassination of his father Rafic. Analysts and observers point to his re-election bid in 2026, but the regional scenario presents new tensions and challenges. A rapprochement with the Saudis and relations with the Christian bloc the decisive factors.
A community of about 50,000 individuals inhabit the valley in the far north-eastern corner of Pakistan. While accentuating the esoteric component of the Muslim faith, they have remained largely immune to pressure and threats from the Sunni majority. At the head is Karim, the fourth Aga Khan, recognised as the 49th Imam by the estimated 15 million Ismailis.