PM Shehbaz Sharif, Prince Rahim Aga Khan V Discuss Pakistan-AKDN Cooperation at UNGA

NEW YORK: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The prime minister warmly welcomed Prince Rahim Aga Khan and recalled their meeting during his visit to Pakistan earlier this year.

Shehbaz Sharif expressed appreciation for Prince Rahim Aga Khan’s commitment to maintaining the longstanding friendly relations between Pakistan and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

Pakistan Appreciates Ismaili Community’s Contributions

The prime minister particularly appreciated the longstanding contributions of the Ismaili community to Pakistan’s socioeconomic development.

He highlighted the community’s tradition of civic engagement and service to society and expressed a desire to further strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Shehbaz Sharif also appreciated the contributions of AKDN-affiliated institutions in financial inclusion, tourism, cultural preservation and community-led economic empowerment.

He stressed the importance of fully utilising opportunities for further collaboration to promote sustainable and inclusive development in Pakistan.

Prince Rahim Aga Khan Reaffirms Commitment to Pakistan

Prince Rahim Aga Khan appreciated the prime minister’s warm sentiments and commended his efforts to promote regional peace and stability amid continuing regional conflicts.

He reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and AKDN.

Prince Rahim Aga Khan also expressed his desire to expand cooperation in human development initiatives, particularly in healthcare, education, climate resilience and sustainable socioeconomic development.

PM Invites Aga Khan for Regular Pakistan Visits

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited Prince Rahim Aga Khan to undertake regular visits to Pakistan.

He said continued visits and engagement would help further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation developed between Pakistan and the Aga Khan institutions over several decades.

The meeting underscored Pakistan’s interest in expanding cooperation with AKDN in sectors linked to human development, economic empowerment and community welfare.