Prince Rahim concludes Pakistan visit after high-level engagements with political leaders

Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, left Pakistan on Tuesday after concluding his seven-day official visit, during which he held a series of meetings aimed at strengthening cooperation between the country and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry welcomed Prince Rahim at Nur Khan Air Base, where both exchanged warm gestures of goodwill.

According to Chaudhry’s post on X, Prince Rahim received a special photo album containing images of key engagements and memorable moments from the visit.

Speaking on the occasion, Chaudhry lauded the contributions of AKDN to the development of Pakistan, particularly in the areas of social welfare, education and economic recovery.

He said the government greatly appreciated the social, educational and development initiatives of the AKDN across the country.

The minister added that Prince Rahim’s visit would further strengthen the partnership and cooperation between Pakistan and AKDN.

Prince Rahim arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday on an official visit, where he was received by President Asif Ali Zardari at Noor Khan Air Base. First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari also accompanied the President.

This was 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, Karim Aga Khan IV, in February 2025.

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

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Prime Minister Shehbaz also hosted a breakfast for Prince Rahim, during which he encouraged the AKDN to deepen and broaden its partnership with Pakistan, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Chitral, where its institutional presence and community outreach have been highly appreciated.

Prince Rahim also visited Britain, where he received a warm welcome upon his arrival at Gilgit airport on Friday. He also met Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and Governor Faisal Karim Kundi.

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Prince Rahim thanked the Prime Minister for the warm welcome extended to him in Pakistan and expressed his desire to continue cooperation with the country in various human development initiatives.

Prince Rahim’s last visit to Pakistan was in 2024, when the President awarded him the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the country’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of the Aga Khan family’s long-standing contributions to Pakistan.