Pakistan Reaffirms Strong Ties with Aga Khan Development Network During Imam’s Visit
The Imam departed from Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, where he was seen off by Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, senior government officials and representatives of Ismaili Imamat institutions. During the farewell ceremony, he was presented with a commemorative photo album featuring key moments from the visit.
The visit held special significance as it was Prince Rahim Aga Khan V’s first official trip to Pakistan since assuming the role of Imam following the passing of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, in February last year. The Pakistani government extended an exceptionally warm welcome, highlighting the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
Upon his arrival in Islamabad on May 20, President Asif Ali Zardari personally received him at Nur Khan Airbase — an honour typically reserved for heads of state and highly distinguished guests. A state banquet was later hosted at Aiwan-e-Sadr, attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, federal ministers, diplomats and senior civil and military officials. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also hosted a breakfast meeting with the Imam the following day.
Throughout the visit, Pakistani leaders praised AKDN’s contributions in education, healthcare, rural development and social welfare, particularly in remote and underserved areas. Officials described the network as one of Pakistan’s key development partners and expressed hope that the visit would further strengthen co-operation at a time when the country faces economic and social challenges.
From May 22 to 25, Prince Rahim Aga Khan V travelled to Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, where he granted Didar to Ismaili followers at six different locations. Thousands gathered in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral to welcome the Imam during his community engagements.
In his addresses, the Imam repeatedly stressed unity within families and communities, urging followers to strengthen trust, compassion and co-operation. He highlighted the importance of preparing younger generations for a rapidly changing and interconnected world and called for greater investment in early childhood education and stronger educational institutions capable of equipping youth for future challenges.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V also emphasised the importance of women’s participation in social and economic life, describing partnership within households as essential for stable and prosperous communities. He further underscored the values of pluralism, mutual respect and compassion — principles long associated with the Ismaili Imamat and the development philosophy of AKDN.
At the conclusion of the visit, the Imam thanked the federal and provincial governments, as well as the people of Pakistan, for their warm hospitality and support throughout the tour.
Aga Khan Institutions in Pakistan
| Institution | Sector | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) | Development | Global development network working in health, education, culture and rural development |
| Aga Khan University (AKU) | Education & Healthcare | Leading international university and teaching hospital based in Karachi |
| Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) | Healthcare | Major tertiary care hospital providing advanced medical services |
| Aga Khan Education Service Pakistan (AKESP) | Education | Operates schools and educational programmes across Pakistan |
| Aga Khan Health Service Pakistan (AKHSP) | Healthcare | Provides healthcare facilities and community health programmes |
| Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) | Rural Development | Works on poverty alleviation, agriculture and community development in northern Pakistan |
| Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) | Disaster Management | Focuses on disaster preparedness and climate resilience |
| Serena Hotels Pakistan | Tourism & Hospitality | Operates hotels promoting tourism and cultural heritage |
| Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) | Culture & Heritage | Supports heritage conservation and cultural restoration projects |
| First MicroFinance Bank Pakistan | Banking & Finance | Provides financial inclusion and microfinance services |
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