Aga Khan pledges commitment to KP’s development

PESHAWAR:

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

The 50th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, who concluded his three-day visit to Gilgit-Baltistan today, 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 visited Lower Chitral on Sunday where he along with Governor Kundi and other political and government dignitaries welcomed the Aga Khan on his arrival in the district.

In a meeting following his arrival, the two sides discussed KP’s 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 acknowledged the long-standing contribution of the Aga Khan Development Network, especially in the northern regions and Chitral.

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

Read more: The State Visit of Aga Khan V: Changing a Historical Legacy

Afridi further stated that the discussions also included the proposed establishment of Aga Khan University and Aga Khan Hospital facilities in Peshawar.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the provincial government remained fully committed to promoting world-class education and health services, facilitating investment 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 people 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 departed from Gilgit after completing a historic three-day visit to GB.

During the visit, he participated in various religious and social events held 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 was accorded a farewell at the Gilgit helipad. GB Caretaker Chief Minister, Governor and other senior military and civil 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 thanking them for the facilities provided to him throughout his stay.

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