His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin arrived in Karachi as State Guest on 24th December 2022 for a two-week stay. He was received at the Airport by the Chief Minister of Sindh His Excellency Syed Murad Ali Shah, and senior members of the community in Pakistan.
Throughout his visit, His Holiness interacted with community members by visiting their homes and business establishments and counselled them to be active and productive contributors to the progress and development of Pakistan.
‘The overarching message of His Holiness during these days was to live amicably fostering a sense of brotherhood and be thankful to the infinite bounties that Allah Ta’ala has blessed us with. He conveyed this message of contentment and gratitude in his sermon and during his personal visits to community members’ shops and businesses in the old city and industrial areas of Karachi’ a community member said.
In addition to the economic side of things, His Holiness convened community members for educational seminars and a one-day viva-voce proceedings at the Karachi branch of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah, the Dawoodi Bohra community’s premier institute of learning. Students, professors and community members partook in the sessions that discussed a range of academic, historical and cultural themes. The viva-voce was presided over by His Holiness and conducted by his son and one of the four rectors of the university, Shahzada Dr Jafferussadiq Imaduddin.
During his visit, His Holiness met and interacted with the Governor of Sindh HE Kamran Tessori and the Chief Minister HE Syed Murad Ali Shah. Both leaders thanked him for his visit and lauded the community’s efforts for socio-economic development. The CM specifically remarked on the community’s emphasis for education and hailed His Holiness’ teachings as a driving force behind the efforts. His Holiness expressed his gratitude to both leaders for facilitating his visit and assured them of the community’s continued contribution for the prosperity of Pakistan. During his stay, His Holiness also met with notable personalities from the business community and discussed economic development in the country.
After spending nearly two weeks in the city, His Holiness departed from Jinnah International Airport on 5th January 2023 to Sharjah. The Governor of Sindh, HE Kamran Tessori arrived at the airport to see him off.
Karachi is home to more than 7500 Dawoodi Bohra families spread across 18 neighbourhoods. Most community members are predominantly traders and businessmen with the younger generation making headway across different frontiers including Information Technology, Industrial development and professional careers.