ISLAMABAD: On Friday, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Nishan-e-Pakistan award on Prince Rahim Aga Khan, recognizing his outstanding services for the development, prosperity, and betterment of Pakistan and its people.
The prestigious civilian award was presented to Prince Rahim Aga Khan during a special investiture ceremony at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.
The event was attended by Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, federal ministers, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, parliamentarians, diplomats, and senior government officers.
According to the citation read during the ceremony, Prince Rahim Aga Khan has dedicated over a quarter century to improving the living standards of people in resource-constrained regions of Asia and Africa through his leadership roles within the Aga Khan Development Network.
Upholding a multigenerational legacy, Prince Rahim has made significant contributions to the economic, health, education, and cultural well-being of poor and marginalized communities. Under his leadership, the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development has pioneered initiatives in Pakistan in commercial banking, microfinance, insurance, sustainable tourism, and renewable energy sectors.
The Fund has facilitated access to financial services for nearly 50 million people in Pakistan. As the Founding Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network’s Climate and Environment Committee, Prince Rahim Aga Khan has established environmental stewardship policies and best practices to address climate change issues and generously supported the people of Pakistan during the devastating floods of 2022.
The ceremony also highlighted the services of the Aga Khan family for the Muslims of India, the formation of the All India Muslim League, and the creation of Pakistan.
