Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday hosted a breakfast meeting for Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, encouraging the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) to further expand its partnership with Pakistan, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.
The prime minister warmly welcomed Prince Rahim on his first official visit to Pakistan and appreciated his commitment to promoting peace, stability and constructive global engagement. He also assured him of Pakistan’s shared commitment to these principles.
During the meeting, the premier highlighted the long-standing collaboration between Pakistan and the AKDN and praised its contributions in rural development, healthcare, education, disaster resilience, climate adaptation, renewable energy, digital skills training and youth entrepreneurship.
He especially acknowledged AKDN’s work in remote and vulnerable communities in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, where development challenges remain significant due to geography and climate conditions.
The prime minister also welcomed enhanced engagement with Aga Khan University, noting its important role in strengthening healthcare services and higher education in Pakistan.
Emphasising climate change concerns, Shehbaz Sharif said AKDN remains a trusted partner in Pakistan’s efforts to improve climate resilience, particularly in glacier-prone northern regions where environmental risks are increasing.
He thanked Prince Rahim for visiting Pakistan and said the country would always consider him a second home, expressing hope that continued visits would further strengthen ties between Pakistan and the Ismaili community.
The prime minister also expressed condolences on the passing of Prince Rahim’s father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, and paid tribute to his humanitarian legacy and decades-long association with Pakistan.
On the occasion, Shehbaz Sharif presented a commemorative postal stamp issued by Pakistan Post in honour of the late Aga Khan IV for his services to Pakistan.
Prince Rahim thanked the prime minister for the warm reception and expressed his desire to continue cooperation with Pakistan in various human development and welfare initiatives.
