ISLAMABAD: Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V on Thursday expressed his desire to continue cooperating with Pakistan on various human development initiatives during a breakfast meeting hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Prince Rahim is currently on his first visit to Pakistan since being named the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community last year.
According to the PMO, Prime Minister Shehbaz warmly welcomed Prince Rahim and appreciated his commitment to promoting peace, stability, and constructive engagement with governments and international partners. The premier also reaffirmed Pakistan’s shared commitment to these values.
During the meeting, the prime minister highlighted the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), praising the organisation’s contributions in rural development, healthcare, education, disaster resilience, climate adaptation, renewable energy, digital skills training, and youth entrepreneurship.
He particularly acknowledged AKDN’s work in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, especially its support for remote and vulnerable communities.
The PMO statement said the prime minister encouraged AKDN to further deepen and expand its partnership with Pakistan, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, where the network’s institutional presence and outreach efforts are widely valued. He also welcomed stronger engagement with Aga Khan University, noting its significant contributions to healthcare and higher education in the country.
Recognising Prince Rahim’s advocacy for environmental stewardship, Prime Minister Shehbaz said AKDN remained a “natural and trusted partner” in Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen climate resilience, particularly in glacially vulnerable northern regions.
The statement added that the prime minister thanked Prince Rahim for visiting Pakistan and assured him that the country would always remain his second home. He also expressed hope that the prince’s regular visits would further strengthen the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and the Ismaili community.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also thanked Prince Rahim for his generosity in making the Serena Hotel Islamabad available free of charge for the Islamabad Talks.
The premier further extended heartfelt condolences on the passing of Prince Rahim’s father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. He paid tribute to the late Aga Khan’s enduring humanitarian legacy and his close association with Pakistan spanning nearly seven decades.
According to the PMO, Prime Minister Shehbaz also presented a commemorative stamp issued by Pakistan Post in honour of the late Aga Khan’s services to the country.
Prince Rahim thanked the prime minister for the warm welcome extended to him and reiterated his desire to continue cooperation with Pakistan in a range of human development initiatives.
Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V was named the 50th spiritual leader of the Ismaili community in February last year following the death of his father, Prince Karim Al-Husseini Aga Khan IV, in Lisbon at the age of 88.