ISLAMABAD: Prince Ra­him al-Hussaini Aga Khan V on Thursday expressed the desire to continue cooperation with Pakistan in various human development initiatives during a breakfast meeting hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Prince Rahim is undertaking his first visit to Pakistan since being named the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community last year.

According to a statement issued by PM Office, the prime minister welcomed Prince Rahim and appreciated his commitment to fostering peace, stability, and constructive engagement with governments and international partners. The prime minister also assured him of Pakistan’s shared commitment to these ideals.

He also highlighted the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), and commended the organisation’s contributions in rural development, healthcare, education, disaster resilience, climate adaptation, renewable energy, digital skills training, and youth entrepreneurship, it said.

He particularly appreciated AKDN’s impactful work in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chi­tral, especially in remote and vulnerable communities.

“The prime minister enco­uraged AKDN to deepen and expand its partnership with Pakistan, particularly in GB and Chitral, where the network’s institutional presence and community outreach are highly valued.

He also welcomed enhan­­ced engagement with Aga Khan University, noting its major contributions in heal­t­h­­care and higher educati­on,” the PMO statement added.

The prime minister emp­hasised that AKDN remai­ned a “natural and trusted partner in Pakistan’s efforts to str­e­ngthen climate resilience, particularly in glacially vulnerable northern areas”.

PM Shehbaz thanked Pri­nce Rahim for visiting Pak­istan and assured him that the country would always remain his second home. The premier expressed the hope that his “regular visits would further strengthen the longstanding bonds between Pakistan and the Ismaili community”.

PM Shehbaz also exp­res­sed his gratitude to Prince Rahim for his generosity in making the Serena Hotel av­­ailable on a gratis basis for the Islamabad Talks, it added.

Further, the prime minister extended heartfelt condolences on the passing of Prince Rahim’s father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.

Prince Rahim thanked the prime minister for the warm welcome extended to him and “expressed his desire to continue co-operation with Pakistan in various human development initiatives”.

Published in Dawn, May 22nd, 2026