CHITRAL: Sohail Afridi on Monday met visiting Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V at the Lower Chitral Airport, where the latter assured him of investment in the province.
Prince Rahim arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday for a week-long visit — his first to the country since being named the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community last year.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to Chitral, CM Afridi said he had travelled there to personally welcome Prince Rahim upon his arrival.
“During the meeting with Prince Rahim Aga Khan, discussions were held regarding the province’s vast potential, as well as the government’s development initiatives and future goals,” the chief minister said while praising the services of the Aga Khan Foundation.
“We also discussed the establishment of an Aga Khan University and a hospital in Peshawar,” CM Afridi added. “Prince Rahim Aga Khan assured investment in the province.”
At the Lower Chitral Airport, the chief minister was received by local leaders and senior government officials. He also said he would attend a reception ceremony organised in honour of Prince Rahim.
The Ismaili spiritual leader reached Gilgit-Baltistan on Friday, where he urged followers to strengthen unity, pursue education and remain steadfast in their faith.
Addressing a large gathering of community members in the Passu area of Hunza, Prince Rahim stressed the importance of harmony within families and society, saying that strong and united families form the foundation of a prosperous and happy community.
“When families and communities remain united, they become stronger and happier — and the Imam will also be happy,” he told the gathering.
Upon his arrival at Nur Khan Air Base on Wednesday, Prince Rahim was received by Asif Ali Zardari. He was presented with a guard of honour at Aiwan-i-Sadr, where he stood alongside the president as the national anthem was played.
During a meeting with the president, Prince Rahim reaffirmed the Aga Khan Development Network’s commitment to continuing humanitarian and development efforts in Pakistan.
A banquet was also hosted in honour of the Aga Khan, attended by top government and military officials, including Shehbaz Sharif, Asim Munir and Ishaq Dar, among others.