Prepared and compiled by MALIK MERCHANT
His Highness the Aga Khan concludes historic visit to Pakistan: The Ismaili Imam’s blessings filled the hearts of hundreds of thousands of his followers in the mountains of Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan with joy, hope and gratitude
MAY 20-26, 2026: ANCHOR LINKS COVERING HIS HIGHNESS THE AGA KHAN’S OFFICIAL VISIT TO PAKISTAN
This page focuses solely on His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit to Pakistan from May 20 to 26, 2026. Pre-arrival details are available on a separate page HERE. The anchor links to our daily coverage of the visit are listed below:
- May 26, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan concludes visit to Pakistan
- May 25, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan meets Chitral government leaders and returns to Islamabad
- May 25, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan graces Ismailis with a Didar in Garamchashma, Chitral
- May 25, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan graces Ismailis with a Didar in Taus, Gilgit-Baltitan
- May 24, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan graces Ismailis with a Didar in Gilgit city
- May 23-24, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan graces Ismailis with two Didars in Gahkuch, Gilgit-Baltistan
- May 23-24, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan graces Ismailis with two Didars in Parwak, Chitral
- May 22, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan graces Ismailis with Didar in Passu, Hunza
- May 22, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan arrives in Gilgit to a grand welcome
- May 21, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan is hosted by Prime Minister Shebaz Shariff
- May 20, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan is hosted to a state banquet by President Asif Zardari
- May 20, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan is received by President Asif Zardari
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(12) May 26, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan departs Pakistan after an inspiring week-long visit
Mawlana Hazar Imam concluded his visit to Pakistan with an institutional reception in Islamabad, hosted by the leaders of the Ismaili community and the Aga Khan Development Network, before departing. The President of the Aga Khan Ismaili Council for Pakistan, Nizar Mewawalla, expressed gratitude to Mawlana Hazar Imam for his visit to the country and to the Jamats of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.
During his visit, Mawlana Hazar Imam travelled through the mountainous areas of Northern Pakistan and spent time with hundreds of thousands of his murids, offering spiritual rejuvenation and countless blessings, and filling the Jamats’ hearts with joy, hope and gratitude.
Mawlana Hazar Imam expressed his admiration for the volunteers who had worked tirelessly to plan and organize the visit. He also thanked the leaders of the Jamat, specifically “for the work that you do for the community, for the sacrifices that you make, for the time you take away from your families, for the extraordinary efforts that you put into the well-being of our community, which then translates into goodwill for our community, which translates into progress in our community.”
MEDIA COVERAGE
External coverage: Please click the links below for additional coverage of the event(s) in Islamabad on May 26, 2026, the final day of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Pakistan visit:
- Express Tribune: Prince Rahim wraps up Pakistan visit after high-level engagements with political leaders
- Dawn: Aga Khan winds up week-long visit
- The Ismaili: Mawlana Hazar Imam concludes visit to Pakistan
- Business Recorder: Prince Rahim Aga Khan V concludes his Pakistan visit
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(11) May 25, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan meets government leaders in Chitral before returning to Islamabad
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MEDIA COVERAGE
External coverage: Please click the links below for additional coverage of the event(s) in Chitral on May 25 2026:
- Dawn: Prince Aga Khan assures KP CM Sohail Afridi of investment in the province
- The Nation: KP CM, Governor welcome Prince Rahim Aga Khan during Chitral visit
- Express Tribune: Aga Khan vows commitment to K-P’s development
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(10) May 25, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan blesses the Ismaili community in Garamchashma, Chitral, with the final Didar of his visit to Northern Pakistan
On May 25, 2026, Mawlana Hazar Imam travelled to Garamchashma in Lower Chitral where he conducted the final Didar of his visit to Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral in Northern Pakistan. Garamchashma is recognized as one of the oldest and most populated centers of the Ismaili community in Pakistan.
The spread of the Ismaili faith in the region is closely associated with the teachings of Nasir Khusraw, whose spiritual influence is believed to have reached Chitral through Badakhshan and the Wakhan Corridor. His teachings played a vital role in introducing and strengthening Ismaili traditions among the mountain communities. The lasting influence of Persian language, literature, and culture in Garamchashma is often linked to this historic connection.
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MEDIA COVERAGE
External coverage: Please click the links below for additional coverage of the event(s) in Chitral on May 25 2026:
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(9) May 25, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan blesses the Ismaili community in Taus, Gilgit-Baltistan, with a Didar
On Monday morning, May 25, 2026, Mawlana Hazar Imam presided over a Didar in Taus, a village in the Ghizer district of Gilgit-Baltistan. The Ghizer valley lies along the historic route between Gilgit and Chitral via the Shandur Pass, and is home to awe-inspiring mountain ranges and greenery.
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Tens of thousands of Ismailis from the Gupis Yasin region travelled on rough roads for hours, and sometimes days, by foot, bus or car for the very special experience of seeing their Imam-of-the-Time.
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(8) May 24, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan blesses the Ismaili community in the city of Gilgit with a Didar
Mawlana Hazar Imam travelled back to Gilgit on the evening of May 24, 2026, where he granted Didar to the Jamat of the Gilgit regional council. He had earlier been received in Gilgit — a major city in the region and the main educational and commercial centre for Gilgit-Baltistan — on May 22, 2026, from where he travelled to Passu for the first Didar of his visit to Northern Pakistan.
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MEDIA COVERAGE
External coverage: Please click the link(s) below for additional coverage of the Didar in Chitral, Gahkuch and Gilgit on Sunday, May 24, 2026:
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(7) May 23 – 24, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan blesses the Ismaili community in Gahkuch, Gilgit-Baltistan, with two Didars
On May 23 and 24, 2026, Mawlana Hazar Imam presided over the two Didars in Gahkuch, situated in Ishkoman-Punial (see map). Punial is a mountainous valley situated at an elevation of 1500 – 2750 m (about 5000–9000 feet). Ishkoman borders Afghanistan and the Pamir Wakhan Corridor. Its altitude ranges from 2,100 to 3,700 m (7,000 to 12,000 feet).
Ishkoman-Punial has a large majority of Ismailis who have been making preparations for the past few weeks in anticipation of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s visit.
May 24, 2026: Gahkuch, Didar # 2
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May 23, 2026: Gahkuch, Didar # 1
Ishkoman-Punial has a large majority of Ismailis who have been making preparations for the past few weeks in anticipation of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s visit.
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MEDIA COVERAGE
External coverage: Please click the link(s) below for additional coverage of the Didar in Chitral:
- The Ismaili: Mawlana Hazar Imam grants second didar in Gahkuch
- The Ismaili: Mawlana Hazar Imam blesses Jamat with didar in Gahkuch
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Chitral
(6) May 23-24, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan blesses the Ismaili community in Parwak, Chitral, with two Didars
May 24, 2026: Parwak, Chitral, Didar # 2
After the first Didar in Parwak, Chitral, Mawlana Hazar Imam travelled back to Parwak in Upper Chitral to grant the second and final Didar on May 24. He was greeted by “Welcome to our Beloved Hazar Imam,” etched into the mountains with stones, a work that took a group of volunteers 25 days to complete. This was a common sight in the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, with such messages welcoming the Imam and expressing their love and joy on the occasion of his visit.
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After the first Didar in Parwak, Chitral, Mawlana Hazar Imam travelled back to Parwak in Upper Chitral to grant the second and final Didar on May 24. He was greeted by “Welcome to our Beloved Hazar Imam,” etched into the mountains with stones, a work that took a group of volunteers 25 days to complete. This was a common sight in the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, with such messages welcoming the Imam and expressing their love and joy on the occasion of his visit.
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May 23, 2026: Parwak, Chitral, Didar # 1
On May 23, 2026, Mawlana Hazar Imam travelled to Parwak in Upper Chitral, a remote, mountainous region of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Many thousands of Jamati members gathered at the outdoor venue — the Didargah — which volunteers had spent weeks preparing. After much excitement and anticipation, Hazar Imam graced the Jamat with Didar.
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As part of the preparations, Jamati members have been writing personal commitments on pebbles or river stones reflecting how they intend to contribute positively towards their village, Jamat, and society. The pebbles have been transformed into three art installations, representing the gifts of reading, movement and planting. One of these is in Parwak and was presented to Mawlana Hazar Imam.
MEDIA COVERAGE
External coverage: Please click the links below for additional coverage of the event(s) in Chitral on May 23-24, 2026:
- The Ismaili: Mawlana Hazar Imam blesses Jamat with second didar in Parwak
- The Ismaili: Mawlana Hazar Imam grants didar in Parwak, Chitral
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Hunza
(5) May 22, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan urges Ismailis to prioritize unity, education and faith at the Didar in Passu
Despite unusual and unfavourable weather conditions in the region, His Highness the Aga Khan travelled to Gilgit on May 22 to begin a series of visits to the Ismaili Jamat in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.
The Friday Times reports that His Highness the Aga Khan emphasized the importance of harmony within families and society, stating that strong, united families form the foundation of a prosperous and happy community. He made these remarks when speaking to his Ismaili followers in Passu on Friday, May 22. “When families and communities remain united, they become stronger and happier — and the Imam will also be happy,” he told the gathering.
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Mawlana Hazar Imam also reminded followers that Allah’s guidance is always present, especially during times of difficulty and uncertainty. He encouraged the Jamat to seek peace, strength, and comfort through prayer, remembrance of Allah, and faith.
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MEDIA COVERAGE
External coverage: Please click the links below for additional coverage of the event(s) in Passu on Friday, May 22, 2026:
- Pamir Tines: Around 80,000 Ismailis gather in Passu for Historic Didar of Shah Rahim Aga Khan V
- Dawn: Aga Khan urges unity, education and service to humanity
- The Ismaili: Mawlana Hazar Imam graces Jamat with didar in Passu, Hunza
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Gilgit
(4) May 22, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan arrives in Gilgit to a grand welcome
Despite unusual and unfavourable weather conditions in the region, His Highness the Aga Khan travelled to Gilgit on May 22, 2026, to begin a series of visits to the Ismaili Jamat in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.
The Express Tribune reports that the Aga Khan received a grand welcome upon arriving in Gilgit on Friday, May 22, 2026. Quoting a PTV post, the newspaper notes that his arrival has sparked excitement and enthusiasm in public circles, particularly within the Ismaili community.
Welcome banners and reception messages were displayed at various locations across Gilgit-Baltistan. Residents have expressed joy over the visit, describing the spiritual leader’s arrival as a historic and memorable occasion. His visit is expected to include engagements with community members and local stakeholders during his stay in Gilgit-Baltistan.
MEDIA COVERAGE
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Islamabad
(3) May 21, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan is hosted at the Prime Minister’s House
“It is a wonderful opportunity to renew our relation with you, with your family. “Your father, your great-grandfather, have contributed immensely towards Pakistan’s well-being in more than one way.” — Prime Minister Shebaz Shariff.
Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif hosted Mawlana Hazar Imam at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad for a breakfast meeting on Thursday, May 21, where they discussed topics of mutual interest, including the programmes and activities of the Aga Khan Development Network in Pakistan.
“It is a wonderful opportunity to renew our relation with you, with your family,” said the Prime Minister. “Your father, your great grandfather, have contributed immensely towards Pakistan’s well-being in more than one way.”
“I’m also looking forward to continuing the work that we do together in Pakistan, and for Pakistan, for all Pakistanis, and carrying on the legacy of my father, my great grandfather…. — His Highness the Aga Khan, May 21, 2026, Islamabad.
During his address, Mawlana Hazar Imam expressed his gratitude for the warm way in which he has been received in the country, and spoke of his aspirations for the future:
“I’m also looking forward to continuing the work that we do together in Pakistan, and for Pakistan, for all Pakistanis, and carrying on the legacy of my father, my great grandfather, and with my colleagues who are carrying on the legacy of their fathers and grandfathers as well in this country. It’s a history that dates back to the beginning of the country, and I can say for myself that I’ll always be there as well, and my family will always be there.”
The Prime Minister presented a commemorative stamp issued by Pakistan Post to honour Mawlana Shah Karim’s legacy as a global visionary and humanitarian, and for his services to Pakistan.
MEDIA COVERAGE
External coverage: Please click the links below for additional coverage of the event at the Prime Minister’s House on May 20, 2026:
- Arab News, Pakistan: Aga Khan V on first Pakistan visit since becoming Ismaili spiritual leader
- The Ismaili: Mawlana Hazar Imam meets with Prime Minister of Pakistan
- The Nation: PM praises Prince Rahim Aga Khan V’s humanitarian role
- Dawn: At breakfast meeting hosted by PM, Aga Khan expresses desire to continue cooperation with Pakistan
- Geo News: In meeting with Prince Rahim, PM Shehbaz seeks to strengthen partnership with AKDN
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(2) May 20, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan is honoured with a state banquet by the President of Pakistan
In his first visit to Pakistan as the 50th Hereditary Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan attended a dinner on May 20, 2026, hosted in his honour by the President of Pakistan, His Excellency Asif Ali Zardari, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, the President’s official residence.
Guests at the banquet included Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal and Chief of Defence Forces Syed Asim Munir, Chairman of the Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah. Also in attendance were federal ministers, members of parliament and members of the diplomatic community.
In his earlier visit to Pakistan in 2024, President Zardari conferred upon him the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the nation’s highest civilian award, in recognition of his family’s longstanding contributions to the country. Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, received the same honour in 1983.
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(1) May 20, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan receives a presidential welcome upon arriving in Pakistan
In his first visit to Pakistan as the 50th Hereditary Imam of the Shia Imam Ismailis, Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, arrived in Islamabad today on an official visit to Pakistan, at the invitation of the government. He was welcomed at the airport by the President of Pakistan His Excellency Asif Ali Zardari and his daughter First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari. Also present were Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Information; Saleem Mandviwalla, Member of the Senate; Nizar Mewawalla, President of the Ismaili Council for Pakistan; Sultan Ali Allana, Director of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development; and a delegation of Jamati leaders.
President Zardari and Mawlana Hazar Imam then travelled together to Aiwan-e-Sadr, the President’s official residence, where a formal guard of honour was presented.
In the days ahead, Mawlana Hazar Imam will meet with Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and other senior government officials in the capital, before travelling to Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral to spend time with the Ismaili Jamat (community) in the Northern Areas of the country, home to a large concentration of Ismailis.
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MEDIA COVERAGE
External coverage: Please click the following links for additional coverage of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s arrival in Pakistan and the state banquet held in his honour on May 20, 2026:
- The Ismaili: President of Pakistan honours Mawlana Hazar Imam with state banquet
- The Ismaili: Mawlana Hazar Imam received by Pakistan President on arrival in Pakistan
- Dawn: Aga Khan affirms commitment to supporting development during meeting with President Zardari
- The Friday Times: Ismaili Imam Prince Rahim Aga Khan Arrives In Islamabad On Maiden Visit To Pakistan
- The Express Tribune: Prince Rahim Aga Khan V arrives in Islamabad on week-long visit
- Khaama Press: Pakistan Receives Aga Khan V in Historic State Welcome
- The News Pakistan: Prince Rahim Aga Khan V reaches Islamabad
- Pakistan Today: Prince Rahim Aga Khan V Arrives in Islamabad
- Hunza News: Click this link for several posts including videos related to the Aga Khan’s visit to Pakistan
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Date posted: May 21, 2026.
Last updated: May 29, 2026.
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Dear Malik
Thank you very much for the above beautifully written article of Hazar Imam’s recent visit to Gilgit Baltistan region. Great photographs. Brings back memories of my wife and my previous visit to that part of the world.
Want to congratulate the people of Gilgit Baltistan region for “moving the mountains” to make this visit a successful and memorable visit. Well done
Dr. Mohamed(Mo) Fazal Manji
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