ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari met Prince Rahim Aga Khan V on Wednesday during the Ismaili spiritual leader’s first official visit to Pakistan since becoming the 50th Imam of the worldwide Ismaili Muslim community.
President Zardari, accompanied by First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, received Prince Rahim at Nur Khan Airbase, where he was welcomed with full state protocol and a guard of honor by a contingent of Pakistan’s armed forces.
Children in traditional dress presented flowers to the visiting dignitary.
The two leaders later held delegation-level talks at Aiwan-e-Sadr focused on development cooperation and expanding partnerships in health, education and climate resilience.
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President Zardari praised the Aga Khan Development Network for its longstanding contributions to social welfare and said Pakistan deeply values the historic services of the Aga Khan family.
Prince Rahim reaffirmed his commitment to continuing development and humanitarian work in Pakistan.
In the evening, President Zardari hosted a state dinner in Prince Rahim’s honor. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief General Asim Munir, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the Senate chairman and the speaker of the National Assembly attended the event.
More read, Prince Rahim Aga Khan named 50th hereditary Imam of Ismaili Muslims
Prince Rahim was awarded the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the country’s highest civilian honor, in 2024.
Officials said the visit is Prince Rahim Aga Khan V’s first trip to Pakistan since assuming leadership of the worldwide Ismaili community. His itinerary is expected to focus on consultations related to development projects, social programs and long-term institutional collaboration.
