PM Shehbaz urges AKDN to expand partnership with Pakistan in meeting with Aga Khan

Prince Rahim expresses his desire to continue cooperation with Pakistan in various human development initiatives

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday hosted a breakfast meeting for Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, wherein he encouraged the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) to deepen and expand its partnership with Pakistan, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, where its institutional presence and community outreach were highly valued.

The prime minister warmly welcomed Prince Rahim, who is on his first official visit to Pakistan, and appreciated his commitment to fostering peace, stability, and constructive engagement with governments and international partners, besides assuring him of Pakistan’s shared commitment to these ideals.

PM Shehbaz highlighted the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the AKDN, and commended its contributions in rural development, healthcare, education, disaster resilience, climate adaptation, renewable energy, digital skills training, and youth entrepreneurship.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses the breakfast hosted in the honor of Prince Rahim Agha Khan at Prime Minister's House, Islamabad. 21 May 2026. pic.twitter.com/RoTDkIVMT2

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) May 21, 2026

He particularly appreciated AKDN’s impactful work in G-B and Chitral, especially in remote and vulnerable communities.

The prime minister welcomed enhanced engagement with Aga Khan University (AKU), noting its major contributions in healthcare and higher education.

Recognising Prince Rahim’s advocacy for environmental stewardship, the prime minister emphasised that AKDN remained a natural and trusted partner in Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen climate resilience, particularly in glacially vulnerable northern areas.

He thanked Prince Rahim for visiting Pakistan and assured him that Pakistan would always remain his second home, besides expressing the hope that his regular visits would further strengthen the longstanding bonds between Pakistan and the Ismaili community.

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

Read More: Aga Khan reaffirms support for humanitarian causes

The prime minister also extended his heartfelt condolences on the passing of Prince Rahim’s father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, paying tribute to the deceased’s enduring humanitarian legacy and his longstanding association with Pakistan spanning nearly seven decades.

PM Shehbaz also presented a commemorative postal stamp issued by Pakistan Post to honour the late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV for his services to Pakistan.

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

A day earlier, 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.

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.

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.