Islamabad, Pakistan: The Aga Khan’s visit to Pakistan began on Wednesday as Prince Rahim Aga Khan arrived in Islamabad for a seven-day official trip at the government’s invitation.
President Asif Ali Zardari and First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari received him on arrival. Officials later presented a guard of honour at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
President Zardari hosted a banquet in Prince Rahim’s honour after a bilateral meeting. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and senior civil and military leaders attended.
The visit marks Prince Rahim’s first trip to Pakistan since he became the 50th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims after the death of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV in February 2025.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted a breakfast meeting on Thursday. The Prime Minister’s Office said Prince Rahim expressed a desire to continue Pakistan’s cooperation in human development work.
Shehbaz praised the Aga Khan Development Network’s work in rural development, healthcare, education, climate adaptation, disaster resilience, renewable energy, digital skills and youth enterprise.
Prince Rahim will also visit Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral to meet members of the Ismaili community. AKDN’s work remains highly valued in remote and vulnerable areas.
Read: Prince Rahim Aga Khan Named 50th Imam of Ismaili Muslim Community
Shehbaz presented a Pakistan Post commemorative stamp honouring Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. President Zardari awarded Prince Rahim the Nishan-e-Pakistan in 2024 for the Aga Khan family’s services to Pakistan.
The Aga Khan Pakistan visit also highlights AKDN’s long presence in the country. The network has worked in Pakistan since 1905 across health, education, culture, finance and economic development.
