Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday, the President's House said.
President Asif Ali Zardari received the dignitary at Nur Khan Airbase, where First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari was also present alongside him.
Children dressed in traditional cultural attire presented flowers to Aga Khan V upon his arrival.
Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and senior officials were also present on the occasion.
Prince Rahim was presented with a guard of honour at the President's House, where he stood alongside President Zardari during the playing of the national anthem.
Upon arrival at Aiwan-e-Sadr, a tri-services guard of honour comprising contingents of the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force was presented to the visiting dignitary.
President Zardari, First Lady Aseefa and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari held a meeting with Prince Rahim, followed by delegation-level talks.
The president also hosted a banquet in his honour, which was attended, among others by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, federal ministers, members of parliament and members of the diplomatic community.
The Aga Khan is expected to visit various areas of Gilgit Baltistan from May 21 to 25, where he will attend public gatherings and address different ceremonies.
During the visit, he will be accorded the status of a state guest.
In this connection, Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam had been given a detailed briefing during a high-level meeting held in Gilgit last Friday.
The meeting had been informed that large public gatherings were expected in Passu in Hunza, Gilgit City, Gahkuch Bala and Taus Yasin, with thousands of participants likely to attend.
Officials had further informed the meeting that, in view of the anticipated rush, the administration was also considering holding multiple sessions at certain venues.
Directions were also issued to ensure an uninterrupted power supply in Upper Hunza and adjoining areas, they had added.
The administration is considering arrangements for extra transport facilities for visitors and special relaxation in travel timings to facilitate movement during the visit.
— With additional input from APP
