Prince Rahim Aga Khan V on Wednesday reaffirmed the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)’s commitment to supporting humanitarian and development efforts in Pakistan as he met President Asif Ali Zardari in Islamabad.
The president, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and several senior officials greeted Prince Rahim on his first visit to Pakistan since succeeding his father as spiritual leader of the Ismaili community. Upon his arrival at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, he was presented a tri-services guard of honor comprising contingents of the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force.
Subsequently, President Zardari, the first lady and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari met Prince Rahim, followed by delegation-level talks. The visiting dignitary also attended a banquet in his honor that was attended by, among others, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.
According to a statement issued by the Presidency, Zardari appreciated the AKDN’s longstanding contributions to Pakistan in healthcare, education, community development, climate resilience and heritage conservation. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with AKDN for the welfare and development of vulnerable communities.
Recalling the enduring association of late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV with Pakistan, the president appreciated the historic contributions of the Aga Khan family to the country.
Prince Rahim thanked the president for the warm welcome and reaffirmed AKDN’s continued commitment to supporting development and humanitarian initiatives in Pakistan.
The visiting spiritual leader is expected to visit various areas of Gilgit-Baltistan from May 21-25 during which he would be accorded the status of a state guest.