Prince Rahim Aga Khan V arrives in Islamabad for week-long visit

Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday for a week-long visit.

State broadcaster PTV News said that upon his arrival at Noor Khan Air Base, President Asif Ali Zardari received him. First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari was also present on the occasion.

Children dressed in traditional costumes presented flowers to the guest, while Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and senior officials were also present.

After its arrival, the delegation proceeded to the President’s House, where an official reception ceremony in honor of Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, was held.

The visit of the 50th Imam of the Shia Imamis Ismaili Muslims is being described as a historic and emotional moment for Pakistan, especially for the Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral regions.

The first official visit, scheduled for May 20-26, carries what is described as deep spiritual, cultural and national significance, bringing together faith, heritage, leadership and unity.

During his stay in Pakistan, he is expected to meet the country’s top leaders, including the Prime Minister and the Field Marshal. These meetings reflect the long-standing and constructive relationship between the Ismaili Imamate and the State of Pakistan, rooted in shared commitments to development, pluralism, education and human progress.

Beyond Islamabad, the focus is on the northern regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, where members of the Ismaili community are eagerly awaiting the visit. In the Ismaili tradition, such a meeting with the spiritual leader is called “deedar”, a moment of spiritual connection, reflection and renewal.

In areas such as Passu, Hunza, Gilgit, Gahkuch and Taus, as well as several localities in Chitral, preparations have been carried out on a large scale. Valleys were decorated with messages of welcome, while walkways adorned with expressions of gratitude and unity were erected as part of the reception arrangements.

As a direct descendant of Hazrat Ali (AS), Prince Rahim Aga Khan V’s visit is seen by his supporters as having both spiritual and historical significance, especially for communities in the northern mountainous regions of Pakistan.