Islamabad, May 20, 2026: His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the 50th Imam of the Ismailis, arrived at Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi on a weeklong official visit to Pakistan on Wednesday evening.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan was received at the airbase by President Asif Ali Zardari. First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari along with federal ministers and government officials were also present.
A group of children, including from Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan, lined up at the tarmac along with the President waving flags to welcome the dignitary. Two kids presented bouquet to Prince Rahim Aga Khan. A guard of honor was also presented on the occasion.
Upper Chitral Completes Key Arrangements for Aga Khan’s Visit
Prince Rahim Aga Khan has arrived on a six-day official visit of Pakistan. This is his first visit to Pakistan as the Imam of the Ismaili community. He is expected to meet his followers in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral from May 21 to 25.
Main roads from the airport to Islamabad were decorated with welcome banners featuring portraits of Prince Rahim Aga Khan alongside President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, highlighting the importance attached to the visit.
Upon arrival at Aiwan-e-Sadr, a tri-services guard of honour comprising contingents of the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force was presented to the visiting dignitary.
President Zardari, First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari and Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman PPP, held a meeting with Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, followed by delegation-level talks.
The President also hosted a banquet in his honour, which was attended among others by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, COAS & CDF, Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, federal ministers, members of parliament and members of the diplomatic community.
The President appreciated the Aga Khan Development Network’s longstanding contributions to Pakistan in healthcare, education, community development, climate resilience and heritage conservation.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with AKDN for the welfare and development of vulnerable communities.
The President recalled the enduring association of late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV with Pakistan and appreciated the historic contributions of the Aga Khan family to the country.Prince Rahim Aga Khan thanked the President for the warm welcome and reaffirmed AKDN’s continued commitment to supporting development and humanitarian initiatives in Pakistan.
Prince Rahim’s last visit to Pakistan was in 2024, when the President conferred upon him the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the nation’s highest civilian award, in recognition of Aga Khan family’s longstanding contributions to Pakistan.
Mr Sultan Ali Allana, Director Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development & Head of Financial Services AKDN; Mr Shafic Sachedina, Head of Department of Jamati Institutions; Mr Nizar Noor Mohammed Mewawala, President Ismaili Council for Pakistan and Mr Akbar Ladak, Vice President Ismaili Council for Pakistan, were part of the delegation.
Chairman PPP, and former Foreign Minister, Mr Bilawal Bhutto Zardari; First Lady, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari; Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, Mr Naveed Qamar, MNA, Dr Asim Hussain and Foreign Secretary also attended the meeting.
Preparations Peak for Ismaili Imam’s Didar in Chitral
The Aga Khan is also scheduled to visit Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral from May 21 to 25, where he will meet community members and participate in various engagements.