PM Shehbaz Sharif and Prince Rahim Aga Khan-V discuss strengthening Pakistan-AKDN ties and expanding cooperation in health, education, climate resilience and development.
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 on Friday, discussing ways to strengthen cooperation between Pakistan and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
The prime minister warmly welcomed Prince Rahim and recalled their meeting during the Aga Khan’s visit to Pakistan earlier this year. He expressed appreciation for Prince Rahim’s commitment to sustaining longstanding friendly and positive relations with Pakistan.
Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to continue working closely with Prince Rahim toward shared objectives of peace, stability and development.
The prime minister also highlighted the longstanding contributions of the Ismaili community to Pakistan’s socioeconomic development, particularly through civic engagement and service to society.
He appreciated the contributions of AKDN-affiliated institutions in areas including financial inclusion, tourism promotion, cultural preservation and community-led economic empowerment.
Shehbaz stressed the need to fully utilize opportunities for further collaboration in these fields to support sustainable and inclusive development in Pakistan.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan appreciated the prime minister’s warm sentiments and praised his efforts for regional peace and stability at a time when the region is facing war.
He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and AKDN and expressed a desire to continue and expand cooperation in human development initiatives.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the areas identified for expanded cooperation include health care, education, climate resilience and sustainable socioeconomic development.
The initiatives are aimed at contributing to the well-being and development of communities across Pakistan.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz also invited Prince Rahim to make regular visits to Pakistan, saying such engagements would help further deepen the bonds of friendship and cooperation developed over several decades.
The meeting took place during the prime minister’s visit to New York for the 81st UN General Assembly session, where Pakistan is engaging with international leaders and representatives on regional and global issues.
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