Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has appreciated longstanding contributions of Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) to Pakistan in healthcare, education, community development, climate resilience, and heritage conservation. He expressed these views while talking to spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslim community, Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, in Islamabad today, who arrived on his first visit to Pakistan.

According to Radio Pakistan, First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari and Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari were also present in the meeting. The President reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to further strengthening cooperation with AKDN for the welfare and development of vulnerable communities. He also recalled enduring association of the late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV with Pakistan and appreciated historic contributions of Aga Khan family to the country.

Prince Rahim Aga Khan thanked the President for warm welcome and reaffirmed AKDN's continued commitment to supporting development and humanitarian initiatives in Pakistan. Earlier, upon arrival at the President House, Prince Rahim Aga Khan was presented with a tri-services guard of honour, comprising contingents of Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy, and Pakistan Air Force.

The President also held delegation-level talks with the visiting dignitary. He also hosted a banquet in honour of Prince Rahim Aga Khan and his delegation, which was attended, among others, by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, federal ministers, members of parliament, and members of the diplomatic community.