ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his appreciation for the Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) longstanding contributions to Pakistan, focusing on healthcare, education, community development, climate resilience, and heritage conservation. During a meeting in Islamabad with Prince Rahim Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community, President Zardari emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with AKDN for the benefit of vulnerable communities.

According to Radio Pakistan, the meeting took place during Prince Rahim Aga Khan’s inaugural visit to Pakistan. The President highlighted the historic contributions of the Aga Khan family to the country and recalled the enduring association of the late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV with Pakistan. Prince Rahim Aga Khan expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reiterated AKDN’s ongoing commitment to supporting development and humanitarian efforts in Pakistan.

Upon his arrival at the President House, Prince Rahim Aga Khan was greeted with a tri-services guard of honor from the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force. President Zardari also engaged in delegation-level talks with the visiting dignitary and hosted a banquet in his honor. The event was attended by prominent figures, including Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and other high-ranking officials and members of the diplomatic community.