Prince Rahim Aga Khan arrives in Gilgit-Baltistan

Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, reached Gilgit-Baltistan on Friday where he is expected to attend public gatherings and address different ceremonies.

Prince Rahim arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday for a week-long visit — his first to the country since being named the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community last year.

State broadcasters PTV News and Radio Pakistan reported that he was welcomed by caretaker Chief Minister Justice (retd) Yar Muhammad and other senior civil and military officials at the airport in Gilgit.

Meanwhile, banners and messages welcoming Prince Rahim were put up at different spots in the city, PTV News reported.

On Wednesday, he was received by President Asif Ali Zardari at Rawalpindi’s Nur Khan Airbase upon his arrival in Pakistan. He will be in the country till May 26.

He has held discussions with both President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif since his arrival.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and MNA Aseefa Bhutto Zardari were also present during his meeting with President Zardari on Wednesday, which was followed by delegation-level talks.

A day later, he attended a breakfast meeting hosted by PM Shehbaz where he expressed the desire to continue cooperation with Pakistan in various human development initiatives, a statement issued by the PM’s Office said.

In GB, he will be accorded the status of a state guest, and prior to his arrival, preparations reached a fever pitch, prompting a large-scale mobilisation of federal and regional resources, officials said last week.

Officials anticipate large gatherings in the Passu Cones area of Hunza, Gilgit City, Gahkuch Bala, and Taus Yasin during Prince Rahim’s visit.

This is Prince Rahim’s second visit to Pakistan since 2024, when he was awarded the Nishan-i-Pakistan — the nation’s highest civilian award — for the Aga Khan family’s contributions to the country.