ISLAMABAD, (DNA) – His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan arrived in Islamabad on a state visit at the invitation of the Government of Pakistan. The Aga Khan was received by Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Foreign Minister of Pakistan, and Mr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhary, Minister of State for Capital Administration and Development Division, at the airport. The Aga Khan has made significant contributions towards promoting tolerance, humanity and peace among all peoples. His singular contribution to promote Islamic art and literature is greatly appreciated.

The Foreign Minister welcomed the Aga Khan to Pakistan and felicitated him on the completion of 60 years of his Imamat. The Foreign Minister appreciated his vision of promoting peace and interfaith harmony among Muslims and his role for the socio economic development of economically disadvantaged communities in Pakistan and across the world.

The Aga Khan thanked the Foreign Minister and conveyed his continued support to the government and people of Pakistan in economic and social development. During his stay, the Aga Khan will be calling on the President at the Aiwan-e-Sadr where he will be given a guard of honour. He will also meet the Prime Minister who will host a banquet in his honour.

His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, the founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is the 49^th hereditary Imam (Spiritual Leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. The Aga Khan succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan, in 1957 at the age of 20. Sir Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan was an important member of the Pakistan Movement and a close confidant of Quaid-e- Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah.