Prince Rahim Aga Khan V has reaffirmed the Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) commitment to supporting humanitarian and development efforts in Pakistan during a meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari.
This is Prince Rahim’s first visit to Pakistan since being named spiritual leader of the Ismaili community last year.
President Asif Ali Zardari received Prince Rahim upon his arrival at Nur Khan Airbase on an official visit to Pakistan, where First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari accompanied the president.
Children dressed in traditional cultural attire presented flowers to Aga Khan V upon his arrival.
Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and senior officials were also present on the occasion.
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 Aseefa and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari held a meeting with Prince Rahim, followed by delegation-level talks.
The president also hosted a banquet in his honour, which was attended, among others by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, federal ministers, members of parliament and members of the diplomatic community.
