Prince Rahim Aga Khan concluded a seven-day official visit to Pakistan on Tuesday, which he undertook at the invitation of the government. His itinerary included stops in Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Chitral, where he engaged with senior federal and provincial officials as well as members of the Ismaili community.
Upon arrival at Nur Khan Airbase, he was welcomed by President Asif Ali Zardari and First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari before proceeding to Aiwan-e-Sadr for a formal guard of honour. President Zardari hosted a state banquet in his honour, attended by Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defence Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, senior ministers, parliamentarians, and members of the diplomatic corps.
In a bilateral meeting with President Zardari, Prince Rahim reaffirmed the Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) ongoing commitment to supporting Pakistan’s development and humanitarian initiatives. This was followed by a breakfast meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who commended His Highness’s dedication to peace, stability, and progress. The Prime Minister presented him with a commemorative stamp issued by Pakistan Post, honoring the legacy of His Late Highness Aga Khan IV as a global visionary and humanitarian, and recognizing his contributions to Pakistan.
On 22 May, Prince Rahim traveled to Gilgit-Baltistan, where he was received by the Governor and senior civil and military officials. Over three days, he met with Ismaili community members in Passu, Gilgit, Gahkuch Bala, and Taus. During these gatherings, he emphasized the significance of unity, lifelong education—especially for girls—peaceful coexistence, and ethical behavior in both professional and civic life. He also highlighted the core Islamic belief in Tawhid, the finality of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the last messenger of Allah, and the importance of steadfastness on Sirat-al-Mustaqeem.
In Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, His Highness was welcomed at the airport by Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, Deputy Speaker Suraya Bibi, and other senior officials. Discussions with the Governor and Chief Minister focused on opportunities for continued collaboration and development in the province. He also met with the Ismaili community in Parwak and Garamchashma.
At the conclusion of his visit, Prince Rahim was seen off at the airport by Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry along with leaders of the Ismaili community. This marked his first official visit to Pakistan since becoming the 50th Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslim community. The trip reinforced the strong and lasting relationship between the Ismaili Imamat and the people and government of Pakistan.
