ISLAMABAD (APP) - Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday hosted a breakfast meeting for Prince Rahim Aga Khan-V wherein he encouraged the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) to deepen and expand its partnership with Pakistan, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, where its institutional presence and community outreach were highly valued.
The prime minister warmly welcomed Prince Rahim Aga Khan-V, who is on his first official visit to Pakistan, and appreciated his commitment to fostering peace, stability, and constructive engagement with governments and international partners, besides assuring him of Pakistan’s shared commitment to these ideals.
Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the AKDN, and commended its contributions in rural development, healthcare, education, disaster resilience, climate adaptation, renewable energy, digital skills training, and youth entrepreneurship.
PM Shehbaz urges AKDN to deepen, expand partnership with Pakistan
He particularly appreciated AKDN’s impactful work in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, especially in remote and vulnerable communities.
The prime minister welcomed enhanced engagement with Aga Khan University (AKU), noting its major contributions in healthcare and higher education.
Islamabad, 21 May 2026. Prime Minister Hosts Breakfast Meeting in Honour of His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V. Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif hosted a breakfast meeting in honour of His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V on the occasion of his first… pic.twitter.com/13GxlZu6U2
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) May 21, 2026Recognizing Prince Rahim’s advocacy for environmental stewardship, the prime minister emphasized that AKDN remained a natural and trusted partner in Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen climate resilience, particularly in glacially vulnerable northern areas.
He thanked Prince Rahim Aga Khan V for visiting Pakistan and assured him that Pakistan would always remain his second home, besides expressing the hope that his regular visits would further strengthen the longstanding bonds between Pakistan and the Ismaili community.
PM Shehbaz urges AKDN to deepen, expand partnership with Pakistan
He also expressed his gratitude to Prince Rahim’s generosity for making the Serena Hotel available on gratis basis for the Islamabad Talks between Iran and the United States on April 11-12, 2026.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also extended his heartfelt condolences on the passing of Prince Rahim’s father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, paying tribute to the deceased’s enduring humanitarian legacy and his longstanding association with Pakistan spanning nearly seven decades.
The prime minister also presented a commemorative postal stamp issued by Pakistan Post to honour the late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV for his services to Pakistan.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V thanked the prime minister for a warm welcome extended to him in Pakistan and expressed his desire to continue cooperation with Pakistan in various human development initiatives.