Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Saturday lauded the contribution made by Ismaili community spiritual leader Prince Karim Aga Khan in the socio-economic development of Pakistan, describing him as "a great friend" of the country. Speaking at a luncheon he hosted in the honour of the distinguished guest at the PM House, he also acknowledged Aga Khan's services for the Ummah and the developing world. Welcoming Prince Karim, the Prime Minister said that he had been a source of strength for Pakistan.
He praised the contribution of Aga Khan Foundation in the development of social sector in the country, particularly in the areas of education and health. Shaukat termed the Aga Khan University as an icon of excellence, saying that it has raised the level of education and is contemplating new initiatives.
He also praised the Aga Khan Hospital for providing quality health services and in helping poor patients. He specially mentioned the role of the Aga Khan Foundation in the development of Northern Areas. "The work and development by the Aga Khan Foundation has changed the entire outlook of the Northern Areas and has raised the income level of poor people," he said.
Referring to the inauguration of Shigar Fort in Gilgit by Aga Khan, the Prime Minister said it was an example of how a dilapidated structure can be constructed for making it an attractive tourist destination.
The Prime Minister informed the visiting dignitary about the economic achievements made in the recent past and said that 8.3 percent growth this year has placed Pakistan among the top five growing economies in Asia.
The consistency and continuity of policies, he said, had helped create the enabling environment for rapid growth.
However, the challenge was the equitable distribution of resources, he said, and added that the government was working to pass on the fruits of economic development to common man, and the people would soon feel the change.
"Our vision for Pakistan is to see a developed, progressive, modern, tolerant, enlightened, democratic Islamic state that provides peace, prosperity and security to its people and has a position of great respect and strength in the comity of nations. The Prime Minister asked Prince Karim to continue making investment in Pakistan, which "provides the most liberal and investment-friendly climate in the region".
The Aga Khan congratulated the Prime Minister and the government for their economic achievement and creating an enabling environment so that institutions could grow and flourish.
About future initiatives, particularly in the education sector, the Aga Khan said that he wanted to see the AKU not merely serving Pakistan but also the Ummah and the developing world.
He said the Foundation was aiming to make the Aga Khan University most outstanding institution in the world.
The Foundation plans to have new campus in Kenya and other countries, he said, and added that this would carry a good message abroad about the Pakistani universities.
On Pakistan's economy, Prince Karim said it has a tremendous potential to grow. "If Pakistan explores its full potential, growth rate of 6.33 percent is only a reflection of what Pakistan can do," he added.
He underlined the need for the Ummah to catch up with the scientific development and making efforts in the human resource development.
He described the development of human resources and improving quality of life as main goals.
The Aga Khan thanked the Prime Minister for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and assured of more investment in the country.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and Prince Aga Khan in their meeting discussed the socio-economic development and prospects of future investment in Pakistan.
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