PROVINCE REPORT
ISLAMABAD: Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday received Prince Rahim Aga Khan V at Nur Khan Airbase during his official visit to Pakistan. Aseefa Bhutto Zardari accompanied the president on the occasion.
This marks Prince Rahim Aga Khan’s first visit 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.
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.
President Zardari, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari held a meeting with Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, followed by delegation-level talks. The president also hosted a banquet in his honour attended by Shehbaz Sharif, Ishaq Dar, Syed Asim Munir, Yousuf Raza Gilani, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Murad Ali Shah, federal ministers, parliamentarians and members of the diplomatic community.
The president appreciated the longstanding contributions of the Aga Khan Development Network in healthcare, education, community development, climate resilience and heritage conservation in Pakistan. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with AKDN for the welfare of vulnerable communities.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V thanked the president for the warm welcome and reiterated AKDN’s commitment to continuing development and humanitarian initiatives in Pakistan.
Prince Rahim last visited Pakistan in 2024 when President Zardari conferred upon him the Nishan-e-Pakistan in recognition of the Aga Khan family’s longstanding services to the country.
