Prince Rahim Aga Khan arrives in Pakistan on six-day official visit

ISLAMABAD: Spiritual leader of the Ismaili Shai Muslim community and its 50th Imam, Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday on his first official six-day visit, according to officials.

Prince Rahim Aga Khan met President Asif Ali Zardari at the President’s House in Islamabad on Wednesday, officials said.

He is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of the government and will remain in the country from May 20 to May 26.

During his visit, he is expected to travel to multiple areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, attend public gatherings and participate in ceremonies.

Prince Rahim Aga Khan V formally assumed the role of the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community on February 11, 2025, following the death of his father and predecessor, Imam Shah Karim al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, who passed away on February 4, 2025.

Authorities have mobilised federal and regional resources for the visit and said it will be accorded state guest status.

Officials said large gatherings are expected in areas including Passu Cones in Hunza, Gilgit city, Gahkuch Bala, Taus Yasin and Ishkoman. The administration is considering holding multiple sessions at some venues to manage crowd sizes, officials said.

For security and logistics, the federal government has also been requested to provide a bulletproof vehicle for the visiting dignitary.

Authorities have recommended opening the Babusar Road as an alternative route and placing the National Highway Authority on alert at sensitive points. Police and the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) have been assigned special responsibilities for road maintenance, traffic management and security along the Karakoram Highway from Nasirabad Bridge to Sost Dry Port.

Officials said instructions have also been issued to ensure uninterrupted power supply in Upper Hunza and adjoining areas during the visit. Additional transport arrangements are being made for visitors, along with adjustments in travel timings to facilitate movement across the region.