NEW YORK, September 25 — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Prince Rahim Aga Khan V discussed expanding cooperation in healthcare, education, climate resilience and sustainable development as they met on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly session in New York.
During the meeting, the prime minister praised the Ismaili community’s longstanding contribution to Pakistan’s socioeconomic development, particularly its tradition of civic engagement and public service.
Shehbaz welcomed Prince Rahim and recalled their meeting during his visit to Pakistan earlier this year. He appreciated Prince Rahim’s commitment to maintaining longstanding ties with Pakistan and expressed Islamabad’s desire to continue working closely with him on shared objectives of peace, stability and development.
The prime minister also highlighted the contribution of institutions affiliated with the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Pakistan, particularly in financial inclusion, tourism, cultural preservation and community-led economic empowerment.
He called for further collaboration in these areas to support sustainable and inclusive development across the country.
Prince Rahim, meanwhile, appreciated the prime minister’s remarks and acknowledged his efforts towards regional peace and stability amid ongoing conflicts in the wider region.
He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the Aga Khan Development Network.
Prince Rahim also expressed a desire to expand cooperation on human development initiatives, with healthcare, education, climate resilience and sustainable socioeconomic development identified as key areas for future engagement.
The meeting reflected continued cooperation between Pakistan and AKDN, whose institutions operate across a range of development sectors in the country.
Shehbaz invited Prince Rahim to make regular visits to Pakistan, saying such engagements could further strengthen ties and cooperation built over several decades.