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

Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, departed 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).

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry saw off Prince Rahim at Nur Khan Airbase, where both exchanged warm gestures of goodwill.

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

Speaking on the occasion, Chaudhry praised the contributions of the AKDN towards Pakistan’s development, particularly in the fields of welfare, education and economic uplift.

He said the government highly valued AKDN’s social, educational and development initiatives across the country.

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

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

This was Prince Rahim’s first visit to Pakistan since assuming leadership of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community as the 50th Imam following the passing of his father, Karim Aga Khan IV, in February 2025.

The president also hosted a banquet in his honour, attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, other officials, federal ministers, members of parliament and members of the diplomatic community.

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PM Shehbaz also hosted a breakfast meeting for Prince Rahim, during which he encouraged the AKDN to deepen and expand its partnership with Pakistan, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) and Chitral, where its institutional presence and community outreach were highly valued.

Prince Rahim also visited G-B, where he received a grand 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 conferred upon him the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the country’s highest civilian award, in recognition of the Aga Khan family’s longstanding contributions to Pakistan.