On Friday, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the nation’s highest civilian award, upon Prince Rahim Aga Khan. This prestigious honor, awarded at Aiwan-e-Sadr, the President’s official residence in Islamabad, acknowledges individuals who have rendered distinguished services to Pakistan.
Prince Rahim is visiting Pakistan to review various Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) projects in renewable energy, microfinance, and information technology, as well as to meet with government officials and leaders of both the AKDN and the Ismaili community.
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As Chair of the Executive Committee of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development and Chair of the AKDN’s Environment and Climate Committee, Prince Rahim has dedicated over 25 years to improving the quality of life in resource-constrained regions of Asia and Africa.
The award citation highlights his efforts in ensuring that initiatives impacting the economic, health, educational, and cultural well-being of impoverished and marginalized communities meet evolving needs, continuing a legacy that dates back to the founding of Pakistan.
In accepting the Nishan-e-Pakistan, Prince Rahim expressed his honor and gratitude, stating, “I am honored to accept such a distinguished award on behalf of the Aga Khan Development Network, my colleagues, our staff, and the many volunteers who work tirelessly to improve the lives of the people of Pakistan. I express my warmest gratitude to the President and Government of Pakistan for this immense recognition.”
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Prince Rahim’s father, His Highness the Aga Khan, founder and Chairman of the AKDN, received the same award in 1983 for his contributions to social and economic welfare in Pakistan, the Muslim Ummah, and the developing world. Previous recipients of the Nishan-e-Pakistan include global leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Queen Elizabeth II.