Islamabad, Pakistan, 21 May 2026 – This morning, Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif hosted a breakfast meeting in honour of His Highness the Aga Khan at Prime Minister House, where the two discussed topics of mutual interest including the work of the Aga Khan Development Network in Pakistan.

During the meeting, both the Prime Minister and His Highness shared remarks.

“It is a wonderful opportunity to renew our relation with you, with your family,” said the Prime Minister. “Your father, your great grandfather, have contributed immensely towards Pakistan's well-being in more than one way.”

His Highness expressed his gratitude for the warm way in which he has been received in the country, and spoke of his aspirations for the future: “I'm also looking forward to continuing the work that we do together in Pakistan, and for Pakistan, for all Pakistanis, and carrying on the legacy of my father, my great grandfather, and with my colleagues who are carrying on the legacy of their fathers and grandfathers as well in this country. It's a history that dates back to the beginning of the country, and I can say for myself that I'll always be there as well, and my family will always be there.”

The Prime Minister presented a commemorative stamp issued by Pakistan Post to honour His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV for his services to Pakistan.

The Aga Khan is on an official seven-day visit to Pakistan at the invitation of the Government. He was received yesterday by the President of Pakistan His Excellency Asif Ali Zardari. In the coming days, His Highness will travel to meet with the Ismaili community in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.

This is the Aga Khan's first visit to Pakistan since assuming leadership of the Ismaili Muslim community as the 50^th Imam, following the passing of his father, His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, in February 2025.

Notes to Editors

In 2024, President Zardari conferred the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the nation's highest civilian award, upon Prince Rahim Aga Khan, in recognition of the Aga Khan family's longstanding contributions to Pakistan. His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV also received this honour in 1983. Other recipients of the award include Queen Elizabeth II and Nelson Mandela.

His Highness the Aga Khan is the Chair of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which has been working in Pakistan since 1905. AKDN agencies complement the efforts of the Government and have received several national and international awards for their successful programmes. Through its social, economic and cultural institutions, the AKDN works across key sectors including health and nutrition, education, civil society, heritage conservation, climate change response, early childhood development, access to finance and economic development.

The Ismaili community is present across all provinces of Pakistan and has been in the region for centuries. The community is widely recognised for its voluntary service and contributions towards improving quality of life and supporting the country’s development. The community upholds a strong tradition of civic engagement and responsible citizenship, reflecting the core values of Islam, including service, peace, compassion and care for vulnerable communities.