GILGIT: Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V reached Gilgit-Baltistan on Friday, where he is expected to attend public gatherings and address various ceremonies.
Prince Rahim arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday for a week-long visit, which is his first trip to the country since being named the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community last year.
State broadcasters PTV News and Radio Pakistan reported that he was received at Gilgit airport by caretaker Chief Minister Justice (retd) Yar Muhammad along with senior civil and military officials.
Meanwhile, banners and welcome messages for Prince Rahim were displayed at various locations across the city, according to PTV News.
On Wednesday, he was welcomed at Rawalpindi’s Nur Khan Airbase by President Asif Ali Zardari upon his arrival in Pakistan, and he is scheduled to stay in the country until May 26.
Since arriving, he has held meetings with both President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and MNA Aseefa Bhutto Zardari were also present during his meeting with President Zardari on Wednesday, which was followed by delegation-level talks.
A day later, he attended a breakfast meeting hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where he expressed a desire to continue cooperation with Pakistan in various human development initiatives, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, he will be accorded the status of a state guest, and preparations ahead of his visit reportedly reached a high level, involving large-scale mobilisation of federal and regional resources, officials said last week.
Officials are expecting large gatherings in the Passu Cones area of Hunza, Gilgit City, Gahkuch Bala, and Taus Yasin during his visit.
This marks Prince Rahim’s second visit to Pakistan since 2024, when he was awarded the Nishan-i-Pakistan, the country’s highest civilian honour, in recognition of the Aga Khan family’s contributions to Pakistan.