Prince Rahim Aga Khan awarded Pakistan’s highest civilian honour 2024-06-07
Friday, 2024, June 7
Islamabad, Pakistan, 7 June 2024 – The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, today conferred the Nishan-i-Pakistan, the nation’s highest civilian award, on Prince Rahim Aga Khan. The award recognises individuals who have rendered services of the highest distinction to Pakistan, and was given at Aiwan-e-Sadr, the President’s official residence in Islamabad.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan is the elder son of Prince Karim Aga Khan, the 49th spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community.
A citation read out on the occasion highlighted Prince Rahim's relentless efforts, spanning over two decades, to improve the living standards of marginalised communities in Asia and Africa through his leadership roles within the Aga Khan Development Network.
His contributions have significantly impacted these communities' economic, health, education, and cultural well-being, upholding a legacy of philanthropy and development.
Under Prince Rahim's leadership, the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development has pioneered initiatives in Pakistan, advancing commercial banking, microfinance, insurance, sustainable tourism, and renewable energy sectors. These efforts have enabled nearly 50 million people in Pakistan to access financial services. As the founding chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network's Climate and Environment Committee, Prince Rahim has championed environmental stewardship policies and best practices to address climate change issues. He also generously supported the people of Pakistan after the devastating 2022 floods.
The ceremony also acknowledged the Aga Khan family's historical contributions to the Muslims of India, their role in the formation of the All India Muslim League, and their support for the creation of Pakistan.
The Nishan-i-Pakistan award is a testament to Prince Rahim's unwavering commitment to Pakistan's development and the well-being of its people. His dedication to improving lives and fostering sustainable growth has left an indelible mark on the country, inspiring future generations to follow in his footsteps.