Prince Rahim Aga Khan on Wednesday concluded a seven-day official visit to Pakistan undertaken at the invitation of the government, during which he traveled from Islamabad to Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral and met members of the Ismaili community as well as senior federal and provincial officials, according to a statement.
Upon arrival, he was received at Nur Khan Air Base by His Excellency President Asif Ali Zardari and First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari before proceeding to Aiwan-e-Sadr, where a guard of honor was presented to him.
President Zardari hosted a state banquet in his honor, which was attended by Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, senior ministers, parliamentarians and the diplomatic community.
His Highness held a bilateral meeting with President Zardari, during which he reaffirmed the commitment of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) to supporting development and humanitarian efforts in Pakistan. This was followed by a breakfast hosted by Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, who praised His Highness’s commitment to peace, stability and development.
The Prime Minister presented His Highness with a commemorative stamp issued by Pakistan Post to honor the legacy of the late His Highness the Aga Khan IV, as a global visionary and humanitarian, and for his services to Pakistan.
His Highness visited Gilgit-Baltistan on May 22, where he was received by the Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan and senior civil and military officials. Over three days, he met members of the Ismaili community at rallies in Passu, Gilgit, Gahkuch Bala and Taus.
He stressed the importance of unity, lifelong education – especially for girls – peaceful coexistence and ethical conduct in professional and civic life.
He also emphasized that our faith is based on the concept of Tawhid, that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the last messenger of Allah and the importance of standing firm on Sirat-al-Mustaqeem.
In Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), His Highness was received at Chitral Airport by KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, along with KP Assembly Deputy Speaker Suraya Bibi and other senior officials.
During the meetings with the Governor and the Chief Minister, discussions were held on opportunities for continued collaboration and development in the province. His Highness also met with the Ismaili community of Parwak and Garamchashma.
His Highness was welcomed at the airport by Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, alongside leaders of the Ismaili community.
This was His Highness’ first official visit to Pakistan since he assumed the role of the 50th Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslim Community. The visit reaffirmed the deep and enduring relationship between the Ismaili Imamate and the people and government of Pakistan.
