Prince Rahim Aga Khan V arrives in Islamabad for a week-long visit

Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday on a week-long visit.

The state television company PTV News said President Asif Ali Zardari received him on arrival at Noor Khan Airbase. First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari was also present on the occasion.

Children dressed in traditional attire presented flowers to the guest while Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and senior officials were also present.

After his arrival, the delegation proceeded to the Presidential Palace, where an official reception ceremony in honor of Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, was arranged.

The visit of the 50th Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims is described as a historic and emotional moment for Pakistan, especially for the Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral regions.

The first official visit, scheduled from May 20 to 26, has what is described as deep spiritual, cultural and national significance, bringing together faith, heritage, leadership and unity.

During his stay in Pakistan, he is expected to meet the country’s top leadership, including the prime minister and the field marshal. These meetings reflect the longstanding and constructive relationship between the Ismaili Imamat and the State of Pakistan, rooted in shared commitments to development, pluralism, education and human progress.

In addition to Islamabad, attention is focused on the northern regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, where members of the Ismaili community await the visit with anticipation. In the Ismaili tradition, such a meeting with the spiritual leader is referred to as “deedar”, a moment of spiritual connection, reflection and renewal.

In areas including Passu, Hunza, Gilgit, Gahkuch and Taus, as well as several places in Chitral, preparations have been carried out on a large scale. Valleys have been decorated with messages of welcome, while gates adorned with expressions of gratitude and togetherness have been erected as part of the reception arrangements.

As a direct descendant of Hazrat Ali (AS), Prince Rahim Aga Khan V’s visit is considered by followers to have both spiritual and historical significance, especially for communities in the mountainous regions of northern Pakistan.