The Aga Khan commits to the development of KP

PESHAWAR:

Prince Rahim Aga Khan on Monday expressed keen interest in exploring investment opportunities in various sectors of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and reaffirmed his commitment to continued collaboration for the sustainable development of the province.

The 50th Imam of Shia Ismaili Muslims, who today concluded his three-day visit to Gilgit-Baltistan, expressed these views during a meeting with KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, according to a statement issued by the CM Secretariat.

CM Afridi on Sunday visited Lower Chitral, where he joined Governor Kundi and other political and government dignitaries in welcoming the Aga Khan on his arrival in the district.

In a meeting after his arrival, the two sides discussed KP development priorities, investment opportunities and ongoing initiatives in key sectors including health, education, tourism and socio-economic development.

Later addressing the media, CM Afridi said the meeting provided an opportunity for a constructive exchange on KP’s investment potential, the provincial government’s development agenda and ongoing efforts to improve public welfare and economic growth.

He recognized the long-standing contribution of the Aga Khan Development Network, particularly in the northern regions and Chitral.

He said these initiatives in health, education, community development and social protection have had a transformative impact on local communities.

Learn more: State visit of the Aga Khan V: honoring a historic legacy

Afridi further said that the discussions also covered the proposed establishment of Aga Khan University and Aga Khan Hospital in Peshawar.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the provincial government remains fully committed to advancing world-class education and health services, facilitating investments and promoting inclusive and sustainable development across the province.

He stressed that all available resources were mobilized to translate this vision into tangible results for the population of the province.

The reception was also attended by KP Assembly Deputy Speaker Suraiya Bibi and other senior political and administrative officials.

The Aga Khan left Gilgit after paying a historic three-day visit to Britain.

During his visit, he participated in various religious and social events organized in Hunza, Gojal, Gahkuch, Ghizer, Gilgit and Chitral. A large number of people gathered in different areas to welcome and see their spiritual leader.

At the end of the visit, Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini bid farewell at the Gilgit heliport. Caretaker GB Chief Minister, Governor and other senior military and civilian officials were also present on the occasion.

Before leaving Gilgit, the prince expressed his gratitude to the military and civil institutions, appreciating the security and other arrangements made during the visit, and thanked them for the facilities provided throughout his stay.

Prince Rahim arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday for a week-long visit – his first to the country since he was named spiritual leader of the Ismaili community last year.