Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Monday met visiting Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V at the Lower Chitral Airport, where the latter assured him of investment in the province.
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.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to Chitral, CM Afridi said he had made the visit to welcome Prince Rahim on his arrival.
“During the meeting with Prince Rahim Aga Khan, discussions were held on the province’s potential as well as the government’s initiatives and goals,” the chief minister said, while lauding the services of the Aga Khan Foundation.
“We also discussed the establishment of an Aga Khan University and hospital in Peshawar,” CM Afridi added. “Prince Rahim Aga Khan assured investment in the province.”
At the Lower Chitral Airport, the chief minister was received by local leaders and government officials. He added that he would attend a reception ceremony held in honour of Prince Rahim.
The Ismaili spiritual leader reached Gilgit-Baltistan on Friday, where he urged followers to strengthen unity, pursue education and remain steadfast in faith.
Addressing a large gathering of community members in the Passu area of Hunza on Friday, Prince Rahim emphasised the importance of harmony within families and society, stating that strong and united families form the foundation of a prosperous and happy community.
“When families and communities remain united, they become stronger and happier – and the Imam will also be happy,” he told the gathering.
Upon his arrival at Nur Khan Air Base on Wednesday, Prince Rahim was received by President Asif Ali Zardari. He was presented with a guard of honour at Aiwan-i-Sadr, where he stood alongside the president as the national anthem was played.
He reaffirmed the Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) commitment to supporting humanitarian and development efforts in Pakistan during a meeting with the president.
A banquet was also held in the Aga Khan’s honour, attended by high-level officials including 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, among others.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan on Monday departed from Gilgit after completing a historic three-day visit to Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.
During the visit, he attended various religious and social gatherings in Hunza, Gojal, Gahkuch, Ghizer, Gilgit, and Chitral, where millions of followers gathered to receive the honor of his didar (spiritual appearance).
The visit created an atmosphere of immense joy, devotion, and enthusiasm across Gilgit-Baltistan, while also reflecting remarkable religious harmony and unity. Large crowds warmly welcomed their spiritual leader at different locations throughout the region.
At the conclusion of the visit, Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan was seen off at the Gilgit helipad in a dignified farewell ceremony attended by the caretaker Chief Minister, Governor, and senior civil and military officials.
Before departure from Gilgit, Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan expressed gratitude to the civil and military institutions for their cooperation and appreciated the security and other arrangements made during the visit.