Prince Rahim Aga Khan V begins 6-day Pakistan visit

Prince Rahim Aga Khan V and was received by President Asif Ali Zardari.

ISLAMABAD: Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community, arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday for a six-day official visit to Pakistan.

The Presidency said the visit will continue through May 26 and includes meetings with federal officials and representatives from Gilgit-Baltistan to discuss development cooperation, institutional partnerships and community welfare initiatives.

Prince Rahim, the 50th Imam of the Ismaili community, landed at Nur Khan Airbase and was received by President Asif Ali Zardari. First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and senior civil and military officials were also present.

Children in traditional dress presented flowers to the visiting dignitary, who was later accorded a formal guard of honor at Aiwan-e-Sadr, the presidential residence in Islamabad.

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.

According to official statements, Prince Rahim Aga Khan V will remain in Pakistan from May 20 to May 26, with a series of scheduled meetings in Islamabad.

These include discussions with government representatives and officials from Gilgit-Baltistan Gilgit-Baltistan, where preparations for the visit have reportedly intensified in recent days.

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Officials in Gilgit-Baltistan have indicated that large-scale mobilisation of resources has been underway in anticipation of the visit. Federal and regional coordination efforts have been stepped up to facilitate meetings and related activities during the tour.