Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday, the Presidency confirmed.

On arrival at Nur Khan airbase, Prince Rahim was received by President Asif Ali Zardari. He received an honour guard at President House, where he was flanked by the president as the national anthem was played.

According to a statement, Prince Rahim is visiting Pakistan from May 20-26. Among his many engagements, he is expected to meet officials from the government and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) in the federal capital.

Preparations in GB reached a fever pitch, prompting a large-scale mobilisation of federal and regional resources, officials said earlier on Friday.

The plans were reviewed at a meeting where Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Amir Muqam, was briefed on the details.

Officials anticipate large gatherings in the Passu Cones area of Hunza; Gilgit City, Gahkuch Bala, and Taus Yasin. The administration is considering holding multiple sessions at certain venues to manage the expected crowds, officials told the minister.

For security and travel, the federal government has been requested to provide a bulletproof vehicle. Recommendations were also made to immediately open Babusar Road as an alternative route and to keep the National Highway Authority on alert at sensitive points.

Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V was named the 50th spiritual leader of the Ismaili community last February, following the death of his father, Prince Karim Al-Husseini, Aga Khan IV, in Lisbon at the age of 88.

The US-educated, Swiss-based Rahim has served on the boards of many agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network and chairs its Environment and Climate Committee, according to the website.

The late Prince Karim is renowned in GB for his unwavering commitment to the region’s socio-economic development and efforts to lift the population out of poverty and deprivation.