Pakistan, May 24 -- When Pakistan's Senate rose on Friday to honour the Aga Khan family, it was doing more than greeting Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V on his first official visit since becoming the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community. It was acknowledging a relationship that has lived through Pakistan's politics, disasters and quiet acts of service.

The reception has been fittingly warm. The prime minister has spoken of expanding cooperation with the Aga Khan Development Network in climate-vulnerable northern Pakistan. The president has honoured the family's contribution to healthcare, education, heritage conservation, climate resilience and community development. Politicians continue to pay tribute to decades of servi...