ISLAMABAD: Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the 50th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, concluded a high-profile weeklong visit to Pakistan on Tuesday after a tour marked by state honours, large community gatherings and renewed emphasis on development and social cohesion.
The Imam was seen off at Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi by Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, senior officials and representatives of Ismaili Imamat institutions. He was presented with a commemorative photo album highlighting moments from the visit.
The trip carried particular significance as it was Prince Rahim Aga Khan V’s first visit to Pakistan since assuming the role of Imam following the passing of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, in February last year.
The government accorded the Imam an unusually warm reception, underscoring 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 – a gesture generally reserved for visiting heads of state and dignitaries of exceptional importance.
Later that evening, a state banquet was hosted in his honour at Aiwan-e-Sadr. The event was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, federal ministers, diplomats and senior civil and military officials. The following morning, Prime Minister Sharif hosted a breakfast meeting with the Imam.
Throughout the visit, senior officials repeatedly praised the contributions of AKDN in Pakistan, particularly in education, healthcare, rural development and social welfare.
Government representatives described the network as a major development partner whose institutions had played a sustained role in underserved regions of the country.
Officials also expressed the hope that the visit would deepen co-operation between Pakistan and AKDN at a time when the country faces mounting economic and social challenges.
From May 22 to 25, the Imam travelled to Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, where he granted Didar to Ismaili followers at six locations. Large crowds gathered to welcome him both in Chitral and Gilgit Baltistan.
In his addresses to his followers, Prince Rahim Aga Khan repeatedly stressed unity within families and communities, warning against social fragmentation and urging followers to strengthen bonds of trust and co-operation.
He placed particular focus on the younger generation, telling followers that rapid global change required youth to think beyond local realities and prepare themselves for an increasingly interconnected world.
The Imam also highlighted early childhood education as a key priority, saying investment in children’s intellectual and moral development was essential for long-term progress.
He called for stronger educational institutions capable of equipping future generations for global competition and economic uncertainty.
In remarks delivered in both Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, he urged greater participation of women in social and economic life and emphasised partnership within households as a foundation for stable communities.
“You will face hardships in life, but whenever you encounter difficulties, seek help only from Allah,” he told followers, according to accounts shared within the Ismaili community.
The Imam also underscored the importance of pluralism, compassion and mutual respect, themes long associated with the Ismaili Imamat and AKDN’s development philosophy.
At the conclusion of the visit, Prince Rahim Aga Khan thanked federal and provincial authorities for their hospitality.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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