Pakistan, Germany Sign €40.5m Development Cooperation Deal
May 22, 2026
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Prince Rahim Aga Khan V discussed expanding the Aga Khan Development Network’s partnership with Pakistan, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted a breakfast meeting for Prince Rahim Aga Khan V during his first official visit to Pakistan, encouraging the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) to deepen and expand its partnership with the country, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.
According to Geo News and Dawn, the prime minister highlighted the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and AKDN, commending the organisation’s contributions in rural development, healthcare, education, disaster resilience, climate adaptation, renewable energy, digital skills training, and youth entrepreneurship.
He particularly appreciated AKDN’s work in remote and vulnerable communities in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, while also welcoming enhanced engagement with Aga Khan University for its role in healthcare and higher education.
“The prime minister encouraged AKDN to deepen and expand its partnership with Pakistan, particularly in GB and Chitral, where the network’s institutional presence and community outreach are highly valued,” the Prime Minister’s Office said.
Recognising Prince Rahim’s advocacy for environmental stewardship, PM Shehbaz noted that AKDN remained a “natural and trusted partner” in Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen climate resilience, especially in glacially vulnerable northern regions.
The prime minister also thanked Prince Rahim for visiting Pakistan and assured him that Pakistan would always remain his “second home,” expressing hope that his regular visits would further strengthen ties between Pakistan and the Ismaili community.
During the meeting, PM Shehbaz extended condolences on the passing of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV and paid tribute to his humanitarian legacy and decades-long association with Pakistan. He also presented a commemorative Pakistan Post stamp issued in honour of the late Aga Khan’s services to the country.
Prince Rahim thanked the prime minister for the warm welcome and “expressed his desire to continue cooperation with Pakistan in various human development initiatives,” according to the statement.
