Ambassador of Portugal Visits Aga Khan Education and Development Projects in Karachi and Thatta
Islamabad – The Ambassador of Portugal to Pakistan, Frederico Silva, undertook a working visit to Karachi and Thatta from 21 to 26 November 2025, where he reviewed key socio-economic development initiatives implemented by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF). The visit placed special emphasis on assessing the scale, quality and community impact of AKF’s long-standing development work in Sindh under the leadership of its CEO, Mr. Akhtar Iqbal.
During his engagements in Karachi, the Ambassador visited several Aga Khan Education institutions, including the AK Higher Secondary School, Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan School and the Aga Khan Institute for Educational Development. He was briefed on their innovative teaching models, teacher training programmes and the high-quality learning environment created for students. Ambassador Silva also met the leadership of Aga Khan University (AKU), toured its internationally recognised teaching hospital and discussed opportunities for expanded academic exchanges and collaboration. He praised AKU as “one of the most impressive institutions of higher learning and medical care in South Asia.”
A full-day field visit to Thatta District provided the Portuguese delegation with firsthand exposure to the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme’s work in rural and coastal communities. The team visited sustainable livelihood initiatives, including crab and shrimp ponds in the village of Ahmed Khan Baluch, and reviewed community-led projects supporting sanitation, potable water access and small-scale agriculture. These interventions highlighted AKDN’s capacity to deliver high-impact, people-centred development in underserved regions of Sindh.
Throughout the visit, Ambassador Frederico Silva commended the Aga Khan Development Network for its professionalism and deep commitment to improving lives across Pakistan. He noted that AKDN’s contributions in education, healthcare and rural development “stand as a model of excellence, providing long-term, sustainable and high-quality investment in empowering communities and citizens.”
The Embassy of Portugal expressed its intention to explore future avenues of cooperation with the Aga Khan Development Network, recognizing it as a valuable partner in advancing human development, social progress and inclusive economic growth in Pakistan.
