Aga Khan reaffirms commitment to supporting development in week-long Pakistan visit
President Asif Ali Zardari hosts a banquet in honour of His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, attended by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal and Chief of Defence Forces Syed Asim Munir, Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, federal ministers, parliamentarians and members of the diplomatic community. Photo: X
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, reaffirmed his foundation's commitment to development and humanitarian initiatives in Pakistan as he arrived on Wednesday for a week-long visit.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Secretariat, President Asif Ali Zardari received Prince Rahim upon his arrival at Noor Khan Airbase on an official visit to Pakistan. First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari accompanied the president.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V stands at the dais as a guard of honour is presented at Aiwan-e-Sadr, along with President @AAliZardari. pic.twitter.com/xOvaSh4osb
The visit marks Prince Rahim’s first to Pakistan since assuming leadership of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community as the 50th Imam following the passing of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, in February 2025.
“Upon arrival at Aiwan-e-Sadr, a tri-services guard of honour comprising contingents of the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force was presented to the visiting dignitary,” said the statement.
President @AAliZardari and Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, exchange views during delegation-level talks at Aiwan-e-Sadr. Chairman PPP @BBhuttoZardari and First Lady Bibi @AseefaBZ were also present pic.twitter.com/nYbuQU2uQD
President Zardari, Aseefa and Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari held a meeting with Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, followed by delegation-level talks during which views were exchanged.
The president also hosted a banquet in his honour, which was attended by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, other officials, federal ministers, members of parliament and members of the diplomatic community.
President @AAliZardari and Prince Rahim Aga Khan V holding a delegation-level meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadr. pic.twitter.com/yIdEr4hIkU
“The president appreciated the Aga Khan Development Network’s longstanding contributions to Pakistan in healthcare, education, community development, climate resilience and heritage conservation,” said the statement, while reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with the AKDN for the welfare and development of vulnerable communities.
Recalling the enduring association of late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV with Pakistan, President Zardari also appreciated the historic contributions of the Aga Khan family to the country.
صدر مملکت آصف علی زرداری، چیئرمین پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی بلاول بھٹو زرداری اور خاتونِ اول آصفہ بھٹو زرداری کی ایوانِ صدر میں پرنس رحیم آغا خان پنجم کے ساتھ ملاقات@BBhuttoZardari @AAliZardari @AseefaBZ pic.twitter.com/Jj2qL5Eq4T
Prince Rahim thanked the president for the warm welcome and reaffirmed the AKDN’s continued commitment to supporting development and humanitarian initiatives in Pakistan.
Prince Rahim’s last visit to Pakistan was in 2024, when the president conferred upon him the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the country’s highest civilian award, in recognition of the Aga Khan family’s longstanding contributions to Pakistan.
President @AAliZardari, Chairman PPP @BBhuttoZardari and First Lady Bibi @AseefaBZ presenting a souvenir to Prince Rahim Aga Khan V at Aiwan-e-Sadr. pic.twitter.com/Tz65RUU15Q
Sultan Ali Allana, Director 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 Ismaili Council for Pakistan; and Akbar Ladak, Vice President Ismaili Council for Pakistan, were part of the delegation.
The meeting was also attended by the PPP Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, MNA Naveed Qamar, Dr Asim Hussain, and others.
The visit of the 50th Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims is being described as a historic and emotional moment for Pakistan, particularly for the regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.
The first official visit, scheduled from May 20 to 26, carries what is described as profound 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.
Beyond Islamabad, attention is focused on the northern regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, where members of the Ismaili community are awaiting the visit with anticipation. In 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 locations in Chitral, preparations have been carried out on a large scale. Valleys have been decorated with welcome messages, while gateways adorned with expressions of gratitude and unity 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 being viewed by supporters as carrying both spiritual and historical significance, particularly for communities in the mountainous regions of northern Pakistan.