Pakistan reaffirms AKDN partnership with focus on Gilgit-Baltistan

May 21, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and the Aga Khan Development Network have reaffirmed their longstanding partnership, with both sides expressing commitment to expanding collaboration across key development sectors, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.

The pledge came during a breakfast meeting hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, who is on his first official visit to Pakistan, APP reported.

The prime minister warmly received the prince and encouraged the AKDN to deepen and broaden its engagement with the country, acknowledging the network's strong institutional presence and community outreach in the northern regions.

Prime Minister Shehbaz commended the AKDN's wide-ranging contributions in rural development, healthcare, education, disaster resilience, climate adaptation, renewable energy, digital skills training, and youth entrepreneurship.

He also welcomed enhanced engagement with Aga Khan University, recognizing its significant role in advancing healthcare and higher education across Pakistan.

Recognizing Prince Rahim's advocacy for environmental stewardship, the prime minister highlighted AKDN as a natural and trusted partner in Pakistan's efforts to bolster climate resilience, particularly in glacially vulnerable northern areas.

The prime minister also expressed gratitude to Prince Rahim for making the Serena Hotel available on a gratis basis for the Islamabad Talks between Iran and the United States held on April 11-12, 2026.

Assuring Prince Rahim that Pakistan would always be his second home, Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed hope that his regular visits would further strengthen the enduring bonds between Pakistan and the Ismaili community.

Prince Rahim, in turn, thanked the prime minister for the warm welcome and reaffirmed his desire to continue cooperation with Pakistan across various human development initiatives.

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