Spiritual leader of the Ismaili community received by senior officials, community representatives and residents.
President Asif Ali Zardari receives Prince Rahim Aga Khan V at Noor Khan Air Base in Islamabad on Wednesday. Photo:
Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community, received a grand welcome upon his arrival at Gilgit airport on Friday, according to pay television.
The reception ceremony was attended by the Acting Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, along with senior civil and military officials, who welcomed Prince Rahim Aga Khan on behalf of the region, according to the publication in X.
Community leaders and prominent figures from various walks of life were also present at the airport during the reception, he 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 welcome messages were displayed at various places in Gilgit-Baltistan, he added.
Residents expressed joy at the visit and described the spiritual leader’s arrival as a historic and memorable occasion, according to the publication. His visit is expected to include engagements with community members and local stakeholders during his stay in Gilgit-Baltistan.
اسماعیلی 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/airvetqbYD
– PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) May 22, 2026
A day earlier, Prince Rahim reaffirmed his foundation’s commitment to humanitarian and development initiatives in Pakistan when 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 Air Base 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 he assumed leadership of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community as the 50th imam following the death of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, in February 2025.
“On arrival at Aiwan-e-Sadr, a tri-service guard of honor comprising contingents of Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force was presented to the visiting dignitary,” the statement said.
President Zardari, Aseefa and Pakistan People’s 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, Defense Forces Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, other officials, federal ministers, members of parliament and members of the diplomatic community.
“The President appreciated the long-standing contributions of the Aga Khan Development Network to Pakistan in healthcare, education, community development, climate resilience and heritage conservation,” the statement said, while reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthen cooperation with the AKDN for the well-being and development of vulnerable communities.
Recalling the late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV’s long-standing association 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.
