ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday extended a warm and high-level welcome to Prince Rahim Aga Khan V as he arrived in the country on an official visit, marking an important diplomatic and community engagement occasion.
President Asif Ali Zardari received Prince Rahim Aga Khan at Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, where First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari was also present.
According to official sources, this marks Prince Rahim Aga Khan’s first visit to Pakistan since assuming leadership of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community as its 50th Imam, following the passing of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, in February 2025.
Upon arrival, he was presented with a tri-services guard of honour by the Pakistan Armed Forces.
At Aiwan-e-Sadr, President Zardari, the First Lady and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari held a meeting with the visiting dignitary, followed by delegation-level talks. A state banquet was hosted in his honour, attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Syed Asim Munir, Chairman Senate Yousuf Raza Gilani, Speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, federal ministers and senior officials.
The President lauded the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) for its long-standing contributions in Pakistan, especially in healthcare, education, community development, climate resilience and heritage preservation, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthen cooperation.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V expressed gratitude for the hospitality and reiterated AKDN’s continued commitment to development and humanitarian initiatives in Pakistan.
During his visit, he is also scheduled to travel to Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral to meet community members and participate in engagements.
