ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a breakfast meeting on Thursday with Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, encouraging the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) to broaden and deepen its collaboration with Pakistan, especially in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Chitral. This marks Prince Rahim’s first official visit to Pakistan.
The prime minister warmly received Prince Rahim and praised his dedication to promoting peace, stability, and constructive partnerships with governments and international stakeholders. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to these shared values.
Highlighting the longstanding cooperation between Pakistan and the AKDN, the premier acknowledged the network’s significant contributions across various sectors including rural development, healthcare, education, disaster resilience, climate adaptation, renewable energy, digital skills training, and youth entrepreneurship. He particularly noted the AKDN’s impactful initiatives in remote and vulnerable communities within GB and Chitral.
PM Shehbaz also welcomed stronger ties with Aga Khan University (AKU), recognizing its vital role in advancing healthcare and higher education in the country. In a notable development, he emphasized AKDN’s role as a trusted partner in Pakistan’s efforts to enhance climate resilience, especially in the northern regions vulnerable to glacial melt, aligning with Prince Rahim’s advocacy for environmental stewardship.
The prime minister expressed gratitude for Prince Rahim’s visit, assuring him that Pakistan would always be his second home and expressing hope that his frequent visits would further solidify the historic bonds between Pakistan and the Ismaili community.
In a heartfelt gesture, PM Shehbaz extended condolences on the passing of Prince Rahim’s father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, honoring his enduring humanitarian legacy and nearly seven decades of association with Pakistan. To commemorate the late prince’s services, the prime minister presented a special postal stamp issued by Pakistan Post in his honor.
Prince Rahim expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reiterated his commitment to continuing cooperation with Pakistan on diverse human development projects.
