Prince Rahim Aga Khan V has reaffirmed the Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) commitment to supporting humanitarian and development efforts in Pakistan during a meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari.
This is Prince Rahim’s first visit to Pakistan since being named spiritual leader of the Ismaili community last year.
President Asif Ali Zardari received Prince Rahim upon his arrival at Nur Khan Airbase on an official visit to Pakistan, where First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari accompanied the president.
Children dressed in traditional cultural attire presented flowers to Aga Khan V upon his arrival.
Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and senior officials were also present on the occasion.
Upon arrival at Aiwan-e-Sadr, a tri-services guard of honour comprising contingents of the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force was presented to the visiting dignitary.
President Zardari, First Lady Aseefa and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari held a meeting with Prince Rahim, followed by delegation-level talks.
The president also hosted a banquet in his honour, which was attended, among others by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, federal ministers, members of parliament and members of the diplomatic community.
The president appreciated the Aga Khan Development Network’s longstanding contributions to Pakistan in healthcare, education, community development, climate resilience and heritage conservation.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with AKDN for the welfare and development of vulnerable communities.
President Zardari recalled the enduring association of late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV with Pakistan and appreciated the historic contributions of the Aga Khan family to the country.
Prince Rahim thanked the president for the warm welcome and reaffirmed AKDN’s continued commitment to supporting development and humanitarian initiatives in Pakistan.
Prince Rahim’s last visit to Pakistan was in 2024, when the President conferred upon him the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the nation’s highest civilian award, in recognition of the Aga Khan family’s longstanding contributions to Pakistan.
The Aga Khan is expected to visit various areas of Gilgit Baltistan from May 21 to 25, where he will attend public gatherings and address different ceremonies.
During the visit, he will be accorded the status of a state guest.
In this connection, Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam had been given a detailed briefing during a high-level meeting held in Gilgit last Friday.
The meeting had been informed that large public gatherings were expected in Passu in Hunza, Gilgit City, Gahkuch Bala and Taus Yasin, with thousands of participants likely to attend.
Officials had further informed the meeting that, in view of the anticipated rush, the administration was also considering holding multiple sessions at certain venues.
Directions were also issued to ensure an uninterrupted power supply in Upper Hunza and adjoining areas, they had added.
The administration is considering arrangements for extra transport facilities for visitors and special relaxation in travel timings to facilitate movement during the visit. –Agencies
