In meeting with Prince Rahim Aga Khan-V, PM Shehbaz reaffirms strong partnership with AKDN

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan-V for his commitment to promoting harmony, stability, and constructive collaboration with governments and international institutions during a breakfast reception arranged in his honour on his first official trip to Pakistan.

The premier expressed these views during a breakfast meeting, hosted by him in honour of Prince Rahim Aga Khan-V on the occasion of his first official visit to Pakistan.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister warmly received Prince Rahim Aga Khan V and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the shared principles of development and cooperation.

He spoke highly of the decades-long partnership between Pakistan and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), acknowledging its valuable role in improving rural livelihoods, healthcare, education, disaster management, climate resilience, renewable energy, digital training, and support for young entrepreneurs.

PM Shehbaz particularly praised the network’s services in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, especially its work for communities living in isolated and vulnerable regions.

He encouraged the AKDN to further broaden its collaboration with Pakistan, particularly in the northern areas where its outreach and welfare programmes are widely respected.

The prime minister also welcomed stronger cooperation with Aga Khan University (AKU), appreciating its significant contributions in the fields of medical care and higher education.

Referring to Prince Rahim Aga Khan-V’s commitment to environmental protection, PM Shehbaz said that the AKDN continued to be a dependable partner in Pakistan’s initiatives aimed at improving climate resilience, especially in glacier-sensitive northern regions.

Expressing gratitude for the visit, the prime minister told Prince Rahim Aga Khan-V that Pakistan would always regard him as part of its own family and his second home.

PM Shehbaz also voiced hope that his regular visits would further deepen the historic relationship between Pakistan and the Ismaili community.

He also expressed his gratitude to Prince Rahim’s generosity for making the Serena Hotel available on gratis basis for the Islamabad Talks between Iran and the United States (US) on April 11-12, 2026.

The prime minister extended condolences on the demise of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV and paid tribute to his lifelong humanitarian contributions as well as his close association with Pakistan over nearly seven decades.

He also presented a commemorative stamp issued by Pakistan Post to honour His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan-IV for his services to Pakistan.

Prince Rahim Aga Khan-V thanked the prime minister for a warm welcome extended to him in Pakistan and expressed his desire to continue cooperation with Pakistan in various human development initiatives.