ISLAMABAD, Nov 28 (APP):Portugal’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Frederico Silva, spent several days in Karachi and Thatta to observe ongoing development, education, and health initiatives run by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). The Portuguese Ambassador's visit focused on how these programmes are shaping communities across Sindh and creating space for future cooperation. Ambassador Frederico Silva visited Karachi and Thatta from 21 to 26 November to review a range of development …
Portuguese Ambassador reviews Aga Khan development work across Sindh
ISLAMABAD, Nov 28 (APP):Portugal’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Frederico Silva, spent several days in Karachi and Thatta to observe ongoing development, education, and health initiatives run by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
The Portuguese Ambassador’s visit focused on how these programmes are shaping communities across Sindh and creating space for future cooperation.
Ambassador Frederico Silva visited Karachi and Thatta from 21 to 26 November to review a range of development and social uplift projects run by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF). The visit aimed to understand how these initiatives support communities in Sindh and how Portugal can strengthen its engagement with the Network.
During his meetings in Karachi, the Ambassador was briefed on the scope of AKF’s work in Pakistan under the leadership of its CEO, Akhtar Iqbal. He observed how various programmes continue to support households through education, health services, rural development and community participation. He noted that these initiatives have played an important role in improving opportunities for families across several districts.
The Ambassador also visited key institutions working under the Aga Khan Education banner. These included the Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, the Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan School and the Aga Khan Institute for Educational Development.
The delegation explored classrooms, teacher training spaces and learning facilities, and learnt how these institutions are promoting new teaching methods and supporting both students and educators.
At the Aga Khan University (AKU), the Portuguese delegation met members of the university leadership and toured its main hospital. The visit included discussions on academic exchange, joint research and training opportunities between institutions of both countries.
The Ambassador also reviewed the hospital’s services and expressed appreciation for its role as a major centre of medical education and healthcare in the region.
A full-day field tour to Thatta District offered the delegation a direct view of development work in rural and coastal communities. Here, the team engaged with the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), which runs a range of livelihood and community-focused projects.
The Ambassador visited crab and shrimp ponds in Ahmed Khan Baluch village, where residents are earning income through small-scale aquaculture supported by AKRSP.
He also met communities involved in improving sanitation, water supply and household agriculture. The visit highlighted how these efforts are helping families gain skills, strengthen incomes and access basic services in remote settings.
In conversations with residents and programme teams, the Ambassador noted the value of AKDN’s approach in areas where public services remain limited.
He observed that the Network’s long-term presence, coordination with communities and steady investment in human development have contributed to progress across Sindh.
Throughout the visit, the Ambassador expressed appreciation for AKDN’s work in Pakistan, recognising the Network’s contribution to education, health, rural development, and community strengthening.
He acknowledged the organisation’s role in planning and delivering projects with strong social impact and noted the broad respect it enjoys among development partners.
The Embassy of Portugal stated that it looks forward to exploring new opportunities for cooperation with AKDN. It aims to work with the Network on efforts that support human development, social welfare, and inclusive growth in Pakistan. The visit concluded with both sides expressing interest in advancing meaningful partnerships in the future.
