PM urges AKDN to deepen partnership

Senate hails Prince RahimAga Khan's visit

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday hosted a breakfast meeting for Prince RahimAga 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.

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.

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.

Meanwhile, the Senate moved a congratulatory resolution on the visit of Prince RahimAga Khan to Pakistan, formally welcoming his arrival and acknowledging the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

The resolution was presented in the House by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla.

It warmly welcomed Prince RahimAga Khan's visit to Pakistan and paid tribute to the relationship between Pakistan and the AKDN, lauding it as an important development in bilateral cooperation.

The resolution particularly appreciated the network's services in key sectors, including education, health and broader social development.