ISLAMABAD, May 21 (ABC): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted Prince Rahim Aga Khan V during his first official visit to Pakistan, reaffirming cooperation between Pakistan and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in areas including healthcare, education, climate resilience, and rural development.
The meeting highlighted Pakistan’s interest in expanding development partnerships in vulnerable regions such as Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, where AKDN has maintained a longstanding presence.
Who is Prince Rahim Aga Khan V?
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V is the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community and the successor to Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who passed away earlier this year.
The Aga Khan family has maintained close ties with Pakistan for decades through humanitarian, educational, and development initiatives led by the Aga Khan Development Network.
What is the Aga Khan Development Network?
AKDN is an international group of development agencies working in sectors including health, education, disaster management, climate adaptation, cultural preservation, and economic development.
In Pakistan, AKDN operates projects in remote and underserved regions, particularly in northern areas such as Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.
Its institutions include Aga Khan University and healthcare facilities that provide medical education and clinical services.
What issues were discussed during the meeting?
During the breakfast meeting in Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged AKDN’s role in supporting rural development, renewable energy, digital skills training, youth entrepreneurship, and disaster resilience programs.
The prime minister encouraged the organization to expand its development partnership in northern Pakistan, especially in communities vulnerable to climate-related risks such as glacial flooding and environmental changes.
Climate resilience was a major area of discussion, with the government recognizing AKDN’s involvement in environmental and community support initiatives in mountainous regions.
Why does the partnership matter?
Pakistan faces increasing development and climate-related challenges, particularly in remote areas with limited infrastructure and exposure to natural disasters.
Organizations such as AKDN work alongside government institutions in sectors including healthcare access, education, agricultural support, and disaster preparedness.
The partnership is also significant because AKDN’s projects often focus on long-term community development and local capacity building in areas with limited public resources.
What else happened during the visit?
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended condolences on the death of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV and paid tribute to his humanitarian work and longstanding relationship with Pakistan.
He also presented a commemorative stamp issued by Pakistan Post in honor of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV’s services to the country.
The prime minister additionally thanked Prince Rahim Aga Khan V for making the Serena Hotel available free of charge for the Islamabad Talks.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V expressed appreciation for the reception and reaffirmed interest in continuing cooperation with Pakistan on human development initiatives.
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