Prince Rahim Aga Khan awarded Pakistan's highest civilian honour
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On Friday, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the nation’s highest civilian award, on Prince Rahim Aga Khan.
The award, which recognizes individuals who have rendered services of the highest distinction to Pakistan, was presented at Aiwan-e-Sadr, the President’s official residence in Islamabad.
Prince Rahim is currently visiting Pakistan to review Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) projects in renewable energy, microfinance, and information technology. He is also meeting with government officials and leaders of the AKDN and the Ismaili community.
The award citation highlights Prince Rahim’s role as Chair of the Executive Committee of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development and Chair of the AKDN’s Environment and Climate Committee. It states: “Prince Rahim Aga Khan, through his many leadership roles within the Aga Khan Development Network, has, for more than a quarter century, dedicated his untiring efforts to improving the quality of life of peoples in resource-constrained regions of Asia and Africa."
The citation also acknowledges his personal engagement in ensuring that initiatives impacting the economic, health, educational, and cultural well-being of poor and marginalized communities respond to evolving contemporary needs, upholding a multigenerational legacy that dates back to the founding of Pakistan.
Upon receiving the Nishan-e-Pakistan, Prince Rahim stated: “I am honoured 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.”
His Highness the Aga Khan, founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network, received this award in 1983 for his social and economic welfare activities in Pakistan, the Muslim Ummah as a whole, and the developing world.
Past recipients of the Nishan-e-Pakistan include other world leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Queen Elizabeth.
