Prince Karim Agha Khan calls on President

ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari has appreciated the social welfare activities of Agha Khan Foundation for poverty alleviation and the establishment of the first micro finance bank. He was talking to Prince Karim Agha Khan, who is on a- two-day visit to Pakistan, who called on the President at the Presidency on Tuesday.

President Zardari said that government will continue to work with the Agha Khan Rural Support Programme for poverty alleviation projects in Gilgit-Baltistan.

He said that the government was keen to exploit the economic potential of Gilgit-Baltistan and would like to work with Agha Khan Foundation to revive and expand tourism industry for the prosperity of the poor people of the region.

The President also briefed Agha Khan on the proposed road linking Pakistan with Tajikistan via Afghanistan.

He said that during his recent visit to Tajikistan, an MoU was signed between the two governments for building a road link through Afghanistan.

Out of the four possible choices, the one linking Chitral to Eshkashem, a Tajik town near Afghanistan border, through Dura Pass was considered most feasible, he said.

Agha Khan was also briefed on the proposed new education city near Karachi.

Prince Agha Khan evinced keen interest in both these projects and said that they will have a very positive impact on the people of the area.

The President also briefed Agha Khan on the situation in the region.

Prince Karim Agha Khan, who last visited Islamabad in December last year, appreciated the government efforts for the socio economic development of its people.

Later the President hosted dinner for Agha Khan.