PM Shehbaz Sharif Meets Prince Rahim Aga Khan in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Prince Rahim Aga Khan on Thursday, reaffirming the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and expressing a mutual desire to deepen cooperation on human development initiatives.

During a breakfast meeting hosted by the prime minister in Islamabad, Prince Rahim conveyed the AKDN’s commitment to continue its work in the country. Prime Minister Sharif warmly welcomed the Prince, appreciating his dedication to fostering peace, stability, and constructive engagement with global partners.

The prime minister commended the significant and impactful contributions of the AKDN across Pakistan. He highlighted the network’s extensive work in rural development, healthcare, education, disaster resilience, climate adaptation, renewable energy, digital skills training, and youth entrepreneurship. The premier gave special recognition to the AKDN’s transformative projects in the remote and vulnerable communities of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.

Encouraging the network to expand its partnership with Pakistan, Prime Minister Sharif noted that the AKDN’s institutional presence is highly valued, particularly in the northern regions. He also welcomed enhanced engagement with Aga Khan University, acknowledging its major contributions to healthcare and higher education in the country.

In light of Prince Rahim’s advocacy for environmental stewardship, the prime minister described the AKDN as a “natural and trusted partner” in Pakistan’s efforts to build climate resilience, especially in the glacially vulnerable northern areas. The prime minister also thanked Prince Rahim for his generosity in making the Serena Hotel available on a gratis basis for the Islamabad Talks.

Concluding the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif thanked Prince Rahim for his visit, assuring him that Pakistan would always remain his second home and expressing hope that regular visits would further strengthen the bonds between the nation and the Ismaili community.