Grand welcome in Gilgit on the arrival of Prince Rahim Aga Khan V

Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community, received a grand welcome upon his arrival at Gilgit airport on Friday, according to PTV.

The reception ceremony was attended by the Acting Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, along with senior civil and military officials, who welcomed Prince Rahim Aga Khan on behalf of the region, the post on X said.

Community leaders and eminent personalities from various walks of life were also present at the airport during the reception, the statement added.

Prince Rahim’s arrival generated an atmosphere of excitement and enthusiasm in public circles, particularly among the Ismaili community. Welcome banners and welcome messages were displayed at various places in Gilgit-Baltistan, he added.

Residents expressed joy over the visit, describing the arrival of the spiritual leader as a historic and memorable occasion, the message said. His visit is expected to include engagements with community members and local stakeholders during his stay in Gilgit-Baltistan.

The day before, Prince Rahim reaffirmed his foundation’s commitment to development and humanitarian initiatives in Pakistan as he arrived for a week-long visit.

According to a statement issued by the President’s Secretariat, President Asif Ali Zardari received Prince Rahim upon his arrival at Nur Khan Air Base for an official visit to Pakistan. Accompanying the President was First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari.

The visit marks Prince Rahim’s first visit to Pakistan since he took over leadership of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community as the 50th imam following the death of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, in February 2025.

“On arrival at Aiwan-e-Sadr, a tri-army guard of honor comprising contingents of Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force was presented to the visiting dignitary,” the statement said.

President Zardari, Aseefa and Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari held a meeting with Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, followed by delegation-level talks during which views were exchanged.

The President also hosted a banquet in his honor, which was attended by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, other officials, federal ministers, MPs and members of the diplomatic community.

“The President appreciated the long-standing contributions of the Aga Khan Development Network to Pakistan in the areas of health, education, community development, climate resilience and heritage conservation,” the statement said, while reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthen cooperation with the AKDN for the welfare and development of vulnerable communities.

Recalling the enduring association of the late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV with Pakistan, President Zardari also appreciated the historic contributions of the Aga Khan family to the country. Prince Rahim thanked the President for his warm welcome and reaffirmed AKDN’s continued commitment to supporting development and humanitarian initiatives in Pakistan.