CHITRAL: Prince Rahim Al Hussaini (Aga Khan V) has guaranteed increased socio-economic investment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during a recent official meeting between the prince and the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi in Lower Chitral Airport.
The CM Afridi traveled to Chitral in order to receive the Ismaili community’s spiritual leader. Prince Rahim has come on his official visit to Pakistan for the first time after taking charge as Ismaili community head in the last year.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan Investment in KPK Discussed
During the meeting, CM Afridi and Prince Rahim deliberated extensively on the economic benefits of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, together with current developmental programs by the provincial government. The Chief Minister expressed appreciation for the sustained humanitarian and structural services offered by the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) in Pakistan’s northern areas.
These talks also produced tangible outcomes with regard to infrastructure development in the provincial capital. According to chief minister Afridi, there are plans for constructing a modern campus of AKU in coordination with the Ismaili community and building a top-class hospital in the city of Peshawar. Following the discussion, the local notables and government functionaries gave a warm welcome to the Chief Minister.
A Historic Week-Long Development Tour
Prior to coming to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the prince visited Gilgit-Baltistan on Friday, during which he addressed large crowds of people in the community, one of whom took place in Passu region of Hunza.
In his speech, the spiritual guide called upon his followers to enhance unity among themselves, to pursue modern education and to always stay committed to their religion, since the foundation of a successful society lies in united families.
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Prince Rahim’s visit lasted for a week and kicked off with a state reception on Wednesday at the Nur Khan Air Base. The state subsequently extended its warm welcome to the prince by giving him an official guard of honor at the Aiwan-i-Sadr.
Prince Rahim officially committed to the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)’s promise of providing funding for humanitarian, educational, and sustainable development projects in Pakistan during the official state discussion with President Zardari.
An official state dinner was later held at the presidential residence to pay homage to the Aga Khan. This grand event saw the presence of top civilian and military officials of the country such as the Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif; Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief of Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir; and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar. The common state ceremony signifies the high esteem which Pakistan attaches to its long-standing relationship with the AKDN.
“Wherever there is unity within families and communities, they will become happier and better, and the Imam too will be happy.” Prince Rahim Aga Khan V in Hunza
Whereas provincial planners see the Peshawar university and hospital developments as critical turning points for their infrastructural development, the healthcare community believes that their sustainability will greatly depend upon the speedy allocation of land and implementation of these initiatives.
