Grand welcome in Gilgit as Prince Rahim Aga Khan V arrives on visit
President Asif Ali Zardari receives Prince Rahim Aga Khan V at Islamabad’s Noor Khan Airbase on Wednesday. Photo: X
Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community, received a grand welcome upon his arrival at Gilgit Airport on Friday, according to PTV.
The reception ceremony was attended by the caretaker Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, along with senior civil and military officials, who welcomed Prince Rahim Aga Khan on behalf of the region, the post on X said.
Community leaders and prominent figures from various walks of life were also present at the airport during the reception, it added.
The arrival of Prince Rahim has generated an atmosphere of excitement and enthusiasm in public circles, particularly within the Ismaili community. Welcome banners and reception messages were displayed at various locations across Gilgit-Baltistan, it further said.
Residents expressed joy over the visit, describing the spiritual leader’s arrival as a historic and memorable occasion, the post stated. His visit is expected to include engagements with community members and local stakeholders during his stay in Gilgit-Baltistan.
اسماعیلی کمیونٹی کے روحانی پیشوا شہزادہ رحیم الحسینی آغا خان کی آمد پر گلگت ایئرپورٹ پر شایانِ شان استقبال
ایئرپورٹ پر نگران وزیراعلیٰ گلگت بلتستان اور دیگر اعلیٰ سول و عسکری حکام نے پرنس رحیم آغا خان کا استقبال کیا
تقریب میں عمائدین اور مختلف شعبہ ہائے زندگی سے تعلق رکھنے والی… pic.twitter.com/airvetqbYDA day earlier, Prince Rahim reaffirmed his foundation's commitment to development and humanitarian initiatives in Pakistan as he arrived 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 Nur 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.
“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 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.
“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. Prince Rahim thanked the president for the warm welcome and reaffirmed the AKDN’s continued commitment to supporting development and humanitarian initiatives in Pakistan.