The Life and Legacy of Prince Karim Aga Khan
News Desk
Islamabad: Prince Karim Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community and a billionaire philanthropist renowned for his global charitable endeavors, passed away at the age of 88 in Lisbon, Portugal.
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), his charitable foundation, confirmed his death, stating he “passed away peacefully” surrounded by family members.
A Legacy of Charity and Leadership
Born Karim Al-Husseini, Karim Aga Khan was respected not only by the Ismaili community but also by people worldwide. He was admired for his philanthropic contributions and the global institutions he created for the public good.
Following his passing, AKDN expressed condolences to his family and the Ismaili community, reaffirming its commitment to improving the lives of individuals and communities globally, transcending religious and ethnic boundaries, as Prince Karim had always intended.
The Role of the Imam in the Ismaili Community
Karim Aga Khan was the Imam of the Ismaili Shia Muslims for nearly 70 years. The Ismaili community, with approximately 15 million followers worldwide, includes over 500,000 people in Pakistan, and large populations in India, Afghanistan, and Africa.
The Ismailis trace their Imamate directly to the Prophet Muhammad, although their succession differs from the Twelver Shia Muslims, who follow the descendants of Imam Ja’far Sadiq’s son, Musa Kazim. Ismailis, however, recognize his eldest son, Ismail bin Jafar, as their seventh Imam.
Global Tributes Following His Passing
Prince Karim Aga Khan had personal relationships with royals and leaders across the globe, including the British royal family.
His Majesty King Charles III expressed profound sorrow at his passing, while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described him as “a symbol of peace, tolerance, and compassion in a troubled world.”
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif honored Prince Karim as a visionary leader who made significant contributions to poverty alleviation, healthcare, and gender equality, impacting countless lives.
Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai praised his enduring legacy in education, health, and global development.
Who Was Prince Karim Aga Khan?
Born on December 13, 1936, in Geneva, Switzerland, Prince Karim Aga Khan was granted citizenship by several nations, including the United Kingdom and France, where he spent most of his life.
Though he did not rule over any specific territory, his leadership and guidance were deeply valued by his followers, who regarded his decisions as the final word.
He succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Muhammad Aga Khan III, as the 49th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims at the age of 20, against tradition.
His enthronement ceremony in 1958, held in Karachi, Pakistan, was attended by around 150,000 followers, alongside dignitaries like President Iskander Mirza and Prime Minister Feroz Khan Noon.
Prince Karim Aga Khan led a luxurious lifestyle, with ownership of a private island, luxury yacht, and private plane. Forbes estimated his wealth at one billion dollars in 2008, largely due to investments in horse breeding in Europe.
He married Englishwoman Salima in 1969, and the couple had three children—Zahra, Rahim, and Hussain Aga Khan—before divorcing in 1995. He married Anara in 1998, with whom he had a son, Ali Muhammad Aga Khan, but they divorced in 2011.
Passion for Horses
A passionate horse breeder and racing enthusiast, Prince Karim Aga Khan was a leading owner and breeder of racehorses in Britain, France, and Ireland. His favorite horse, Shergar, became a legend after winning the 1981 Epsom Derby. However, Shergar was stolen two years later, and its whereabouts remain unknown.
Despite this loss, Prince Karim continued his commitment to breeding racehorses, reflecting on Shergar’s victory as a memory “that can never be forgotten.”
Welfare Contributions
As Imam, Prince Karim Aga Khan founded the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), an organization dedicated to poverty alleviation and improving the quality of life in 35 countries. Under his leadership, AKDN established institutions such as the Aga Khan Foundation, Aga Khan Health Services, and Aga Khan Economic Services.
His organization has also promoted Islamic architecture through the Aga Khan Architecture Award and played a key role in restoring historical sites like Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi.
In Pakistan, the Aga Khan Foundation’s contributions to Gilgit-Baltistan since 1980 have helped improve healthcare, education, and infrastructure in the region.
Honors and Recognition
Prince Karim Aga Khan received numerous accolades from countries worldwide, including honorary titles and doctorates. His honors include the title of ‘His Highness,’ the Knight Commander of the British Empire, honorary citizenship of Canada, and the Nishan-e-Imtiaz from Pakistan.
His work and leadership left an indelible mark on the world, reflecting his commitment to humanity and social justice.
