President Asif Ali Zardari gave a warm and ceremonial welcome to Prince Rahim Aga Khan V at Nur Khan Airbase, marking a historic occasion as the newly appointed leader of the global Ismaili community made his first official visit to Pakistan.
The visit holds special significance as it is Prince Rahim Aga Khan V’s first trip to the country since he assumed leadership of the Ismaili community following the passing of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, in February 2025. Senior government officials and dignitaries were present at the airbase to receive the distinguished guest upon his arrival.
As a mark of the importance Pakistan attaches to this visit, Prince Rahim Aga Khan V was presented with a tri-services guard of honour at Aiwan-e-Sadr — a gesture that reflected the deep respect and regard Pakistan holds for the Aga Khan family and the Ismaili community.
He later held detailed and wide-ranging meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari and other senior Pakistani officials. Discussions centered on further strengthening the already strong partnership between Pakistan and the Aga Khan Development Network, with a particular focus on healthcare, education, climate resilience, social welfare and sustainable development initiatives aimed at improving the lives of communities across the country.
A state banquet was hosted in honour of Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, bringing together prominent political leaders, military officials, diplomats, parliamentarians and members of civil society under one roof. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding long-term collaboration and acknowledged the Aga Khan Development Network’s invaluable and ongoing contributions to Pakistan’s development sector through its wide range of welfare and infrastructure projects.
