Prince Rahim Aga Khan on Wednesday concluded a seven-day official visit to Pakistan made at the invitation of the government, during which he traveled from Islamabad to Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral and met members of the Ismaili community as well as senior federal and provincial officials, according to a statement.
Upon arrival, he was welcomed at Nur Khan Air Base by His Excellency President Asif Ali Zardari and First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari before traveling to Aiwan-e-Sadr, where he was presented with a guard of honour.
President Zardari hosted a state banquet in his honour, which was attended by Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, senior ministers, parliamentarians and the diplomatic community.
His Highness held a bilateral meeting with President Zardari, during which he reaffirmed the Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) commitment to supporting humanitarian and development efforts in Pakistan. This was followed by a breakfast meeting hosted by Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, who praised His Highness’ commitment to peace, stability and development.
The Prime Minister presented His Highness with a commemorative stamp issued by Pakistan Post to honor the legacy of His Highness the late Aga Khan IV, as a visionary and global humanitarian, and for his services to Pakistan.
His Highness traveled to Gilgit-Baltistan on May 22, where he was received by the Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan and senior civil and military officials. For three days, he met members of the Ismaili community at meetings in Passu, Gilgit, Gahkuch Bala and Taus.
He stressed the importance of unity, continuing education (especially for girls), peaceful coexistence and ethical conduct in professional and civic life.
He also emphasized that our faith is based on the concept of Tawhid, that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the last messenger of Allah and the importance of remaining steadfast in Sirat-al-Mustaqeem.
In Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), His Highness was received at the Chitral Airport by KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi along with KP Assembly Deputy Speaker Suraya Bibi and other senior officials.
During meetings with the Governor and the Chief Minister, discussions were held on opportunities for continued collaboration and development in the province. His Highness also met the Ismaili community in Parwak and Garamchashma.
His Highness was seen off at the airport by Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry along with leaders of the Ismaili community.
This was His Highness’ first official visit to Pakistan since assuming the role of the 50th Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslim community. The visit reaffirmed the deep and long-standing relationship between the Ismaili Imamat and the people and Government of Pakistan.
