ISLAMABAD: Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V on Tuesday departed Pakistan after completing a week-long visit during which he met the top political leadership and affirmed his commitment to development initiatives in the country.

He was seen off at the Nur Khan airbase by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, who posted on X that the Aga Khan was presented with a photo album containing “memorable pictures” from his visit.

Prince Rahim arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday last week — his first to the country since being named the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community last year — and was received by President Asif Ali Zardari at the Nur Khan airbase.

He held discussions with both President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his stay in Pakistan. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and MNA Aseefa Bhutto Zardari were also present during his meeting with President Zardari on Wednesday, which was followed by delegation-level talks.

During the meeting, Prince Rahim reaffirmed the Aga Khan Development Network’s commitment to supporting humanitarian and development efforts in Pakistan.

A day later, he attended a breakfast meeting hosted by PM Shehbaz where he expressed the desire to continue cooperation with Pakistan in various human development initiatives, a statement issued by the PM’s Office said.

The Ismaili spiritual leader reached Gilgit-Baltistan on Friday, where he urged followers to strengthen unity, pursue education and remain steadfast in faith.

On Monday, Prince Rahim met Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and Governor Faisal Karim Kundi at Lower Chitral Airport.

Published in Dawn, May 27th, 2026