Islamabad, President Asif Ali Zardari awarded the Nishan-i-Pakistan, one of the highest civilian honors, to Prince Rahim Aga Khan in a ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr. The award recognizes Prince Rahim’s significant contributions to Pakistan’s development through initiatives in sectors such as banking, microfinance, insurance, sustainable tourism, and renewable energy.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the ceremony highlighted Prince Rahim’s leadership within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which has played a pivotal role in promoting economic development and environmental stewardship in Pakistan. The AKDN’s efforts have notably advanced financial inclusion, benefiting nearly 50 million people across the country.

In a subsequent meeting with the President, discussions focused on the ongoing and future contributions of the AKDN to Pakistan’s socio-economic landscape. President Zardari expressed his appreciation for the Aga Khan family’s longstanding commitment to the nation’s development and highlighted the importance of educational initiatives. Prince Rahim thanked the President for the prestigious award and reiterated his dedication to supporting Pakistan’s progress.

The event was attended by prominent figures including Chairman HBL Sultan Ali Allana, various ministers, members of Parliament, diplomats, and senior government officials, reflecting the significance of this recognition.