Prince Rahim Aga Khan arrives in Islamabad on official visit

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prince Rahim Aga Khan, the spiritual head of the Ismaili community, arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday on his first official visit to Pakistan after taking up his responsibilities as the community’s leader.

President Asif Ali Zardari received the honourable guest upon his arrival at Nur Khan Airbase.
First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari accompanied the President on the occasion.

According to an official statement from the Presidency, this visit marks Prince Rahim Aga Khan’s first trip to Pakistan since he became the 50th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community, following the passing of his father, His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, in February 2025.

Upon his arrival at Aiwan-e-Sadr, the visiting dignitary was accorded a formal tri-services guard of honour, presented by contingents of the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy, and Pakistan Air Force.

President Zardari, First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari subsequently held a meeting with Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, which was followed by detailed delegation-level talks.

Later, the President hosted a banquet in his honour, attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, federal ministers, members of parliament, and representatives of the diplomatic community.

During the engagements, the President commended the extensive and long-standing work of the Aga Khan Development Network in Pakistan, highlighting its contributions in healthcare, education, community uplift, climate resilience, and preservation of cultural heritage.

He reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to further deepen cooperation with AKDN to support vulnerable segments of society.

He also reflected on the enduring relationship between Pakistan and the late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, noting the Aga Khan family’s historic role in supporting the country’s development across multiple sectors.

Prince Rahim Aga Khan expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed that AKDN would continue to actively support humanitarian and development initiatives in Pakistan.

It was also recalled that Prince Rahim had last visited Pakistan in 2024, when he was awarded the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the country’s highest civilian honour, in recognition of the Aga Khan family’s services to the nation.

Members of the visiting delegation included Sultan Ali Allana, Director of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development and Head of Financial Services AKDN; Shafic Sachedina, Head of Department of Jamati Institutions; Nizar Noor Mohammed Mewawala, President of the Ismaili Council for Pakistan; and Akbar Ladak, Vice President of the Ismaili Council for Pakistan.

The meeting and related events were also attended by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, MNA Naveed Qamar, Dr Asim Hussain, and the Foreign Secretary.