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

Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, left Pakistan on Tuesday after concluding his seven-day official visit where he held a series of meetings aimed at strengthening cooperation between the country and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry welcomed 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 important engagements and memorable moments from the visit.

Speaking on the occasion, Chaudhry lauded AKDN’s contribution to Pakistan’s development, especially in the fields of welfare, education and economic upliftment.

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

The minister added that Prince Rahim’s visit would further strengthen the partnership and cooperation between Pakistan and 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 he assumed 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 honor which was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, other government officials, Union Ministers, Members of Parliament and members of the diplomatic community.

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

Prince Rahim also visited GB where he received a grand welcome on 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 awarded him the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the country’s highest civilian award, in recognition of the Aga Khan family’s long-standing contribution to Pakistan.