GILGIT: Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V arrived in Gilgit-Baltistan on Friday as part of his week-long official visit to Pakistan, where he is expected to participate in several public gatherings and attend important ceremonies across the region.
Prince Rahim, who became the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community last year, landed in Gilgit and was welcomed by caretaker Chief Minister Justice (retd) Yar Muhammad along with senior civil and military officials. State broadcasters PTV News and Radio Pakistan reported that special arrangements had been made to receive the dignitary at the airport.
Across Gilgit city, banners and welcome messages were displayed to mark the arrival of Prince Rahim Aga Khan. Authorities in Gilgit-Baltistan have declared him a state guest during his stay in the mountainous region.
Prince Rahim arrived in Pakistan earlier this week on Wednesday for his first official visit since assuming leadership of the global Ismaili Muslim community. He was received at Rawalpindi’s Nur Khan Airbase by President Asif Ali Zardari and is expected to remain in Pakistan until May 26.
During his visit, Prince Rahim has already held separate meetings with President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Senior political leaders, including PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and MNA Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, also attended delegation-level talks held in Islamabad.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Prince Rahim attended a breakfast meeting hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where discussions focused on continuing cooperation in human development projects and social welfare initiatives in Pakistan.
Officials in Gilgit-Baltistan expect large public gatherings during Prince Rahim’s visit to areas including Hunza’s famous Passu Cones, Gilgit City, Gahkuch Bala, and Taus Yasin. Local administrations have intensified preparations and security arrangements to facilitate the visit and manage expected crowds.
This marks Prince Rahim Aga Khan’s second visit to Pakistan since 2024, when he was awarded the Nishan-i-Pakistan, the country’s highest civilian award, in recognition of the Aga Khan family’s longstanding contributions to education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and social welfare in Pakistan.
The visit is being viewed as an important moment for strengthening ties between Pakistan and the Aga Khan Development Network while promoting continued cooperation in regional development and humanitarian initiatives.
