ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted a breakfast meeting on Thursday in honour of His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V during his first official visit to Pakistan, reaffirming Islamabad’s longstanding partnership with the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
The prime minister warmly welcomed Prince Rahim and appreciated his commitment to promoting peace, stability and constructive engagement with governments and international partners.
During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif highlighted AKDN’s contributions to Pakistan in areas including rural development, healthcare, education, disaster resilience, climate adaptation, renewable energy, digital skills training and youth entrepreneurship.
He particularly praised the organisation’s work in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, especially in remote and vulnerable communities.
The prime minister encouraged AKDN to further deepen its engagement in northern Pakistan and welcomed expanded cooperation with Aga Khan University, recognising its major role in healthcare and higher education.
Referring to environmental challenges, Shehbaz Sharif said AKDN remained a trusted partner in Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen climate resilience, especially in glacially vulnerable regions.
Humanitarian legacy
He also thanked Prince Rahim Aga Khan V for making Islamabad’s Serena Hotel available free of cost for the Islamabad Talks, describing it as a generous gesture.
The prime minister expressed condolences over the passing of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV and paid tribute to his humanitarian legacy and decades-long association with Pakistan.
During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif presented a commemorative stamp issued by Pakistan Post in honour of the late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV for his services to Pakistan.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V thanked the prime minister for the warm welcome and expressed his desire to continue cooperation with Pakistan on human development initiatives.
