Prince Rahim Aga Khan V assures KP chief minister of investment in the province

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi met Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V at Lower Chitral Airport on Monday, where the Ismaili spiritual leader assured him of investment in the province, according to the chief minister.

Speaking to reporters during his visit to Chitral, Afridi said he had travelled there to receive Prince Rahim on his arrival. He said their meeting focused on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s potential as well as the provincial government’s initiatives and objectives. The chief minister also praised the work of the Aga Khan Foundation.

Afridi said the two sides also discussed the possible establishment of an Aga Khan University and hospital in Peshawar. He added that Prince Rahim had assured investment in the province. At the airport, the chief minister was received by local leaders and government officials, and he said he would also attend a reception being held in Prince Rahim’s honour.

First Pakistan visit since assuming spiritual leadership

Prince Rahim arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday for a week-long visit, his first since he was named the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community last year. Upon his arrival at Nur Khan Air Base, he was received by President Asif Ali Zardari.

He was later presented a guard of honour at Aiwan-i-Sadr, where he stood alongside the president during the national anthem. During his meeting with President Zardari, Prince Rahim reaffirmed the Aga Khan Development Network’s commitment to continuing humanitarian and development support in Pakistan.

A banquet was also hosted in his honour. Among those in attendance were Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

Message to followers in Gilgit-Baltistan

Prince Rahim reached Gilgit-Baltistan on Friday, where he urged followers to promote unity, pursue education and remain firm in faith. Addressing a large gathering in the Passu area of Hunza, he stressed harmony within families and society, saying strong and united families are the basis of a prosperous and contented community.

Addressing the gathering, Prince Rahim said:

When families and communities remain united, they become stronger and happier — and the Imam will also be happy.

His remarks in Hunza came as part of his ongoing visit to Pakistan, which has included official engagements in Islamabad as well as meetings with community members in the northern areas.