Spiritual leader of the Ismaili community met by senior officials, community representatives, residents
President Asif Ali Zardari receives Prince Rahim Aga Khan V at Islamabad’s Noor Khan Airbase on Wednesday. Photo: X
Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community, received a grand welcome on his arrival at Gilgit Airport on Friday, according to PTV.
The reception ceremony was attended by the caretaker 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 said on X.
Community leaders and prominent people from various walks of life were also present at the airport during the reception, it added.
Prince Rahim’s arrival has created an atmosphere of excitement and enthusiasm in public circles, especially in the Ismaili community. Welcome banners and welcome messages were displayed at various places in Gilgit-Baltistan, it further said.
The residents expressed joy at the visit and described the spiritual leader’s arrival as a historic and memorable event, the post said. His visit is expected to include engagements with community members and local stakeholders during his stay in Gilgit-Baltistan.
اسماییلی کومیک کروانی پیشوا شرکزاد رحیم الحسینی آغا خان گ گل آ airport پر شایانِ شان رستبار
At the airport, the caretaker chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan and other high officials received Rahim Agha Khan
At the ceremony, the principals and various departments of the life are related to… pic.twitter.com/airvetqbYD
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) 22 May 2026
A day earlier, Prince Rahim reaffirmed his foundation’s commitment to development and humanitarian initiatives in Pakistan when he arrived for a week-long visit.
According to a statement issued by the Presidential Secretariat, President Asif Ali Zardari received Prince Rahim on his arrival at Nur Khan Airbase on an official visit to Pakistan. First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari accompanied the President.
The visit marks Prince Rahim’s first to Pakistan since he assumed 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.
“Upon arrival at Aiwan-e-Sadr, a tri-service guard of honor comprising contingents from the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force was presented to the visiting dignitary,” the statement said.
President Zardari, Aseefa and Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari held a meeting with Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, followed by delegation-level talks where 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 government officials, Union Ministers, Members of Parliament and members of the diplomatic community.
“The President appreciated the long-standing contributions of the Aga Khan Development Network to Pakistan in healthcare, education, community development, climate resilience and heritage conservation,” the statement said, while reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthen cooperation with AKDN for the welfare and development of vulnerable communities.
President Zardari recalled late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV’s enduring attachment to Pakistan and also appreciated Aga Khan’s historic contribution to the country. Prince Rahim thanked the President for the warm welcome and reaffirmed AKDN’s continued commitment to supporting development and humanitarian initiatives in Pakistan.
