Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday, the Presidency confirmed.
President Asif Ali Zardari welcomed him at Nur Khan Airbase on arrival.
At the President’s House, he was given an honour guard. President Zardari accompanied him as the national anthem was played.
According to an official statement, the Aga Khan will stay in Pakistan from May 20 to May 26. During the visit, he is expected to meet federal government officials and representatives from Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) in Islamabad.
Officials said preparations in Gilgit-Baltistan have been stepped up ahead of the visit, with federal and regional authorities mobilising resources on a large scale.
After assuming the Imamate, this is the first visit to Pakistan by Prince Shah Rahim al-Hussaini, the spiritual leader and 50th Imam of the Ismaili community. Following the announcement of his visit, celebrations have begun within the Ismaili community.
During his first visit, Prince Rahim is expected to spend most of his time in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. According to the schedule issued by the Ismaili Council, he will have a one-day stay in Islamabad, while he will remain in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral from May 21 to May 25. During this time, he will meet members of the Ismaili community at various locations and hold public audiences.
According to the schedule issued by the Ismaili Council, he will begin his visit to Gilgit-Baltistan on May 21 and will reach Gupis, where he will grant a didar (spiritual audience) to his followers in Taus.
On May 22, he will visit Passu, Hunza, and Gahkuch. On May 23, he will travel to Prok Lasht in Upper Chitral. On May 25, he will again visit Prok and later attend didar ceremonies in Garam Chashma, Lower Chitral.
During the visit, he will also review various development projects in these regions.
