Prince Karim Aga Khan IV’s Role in Pakistan’s Development
News Desk
Lisbon, Portugal: The funeral ceremony of Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, the 49th spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community, was held on Saturday at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon.
Dignitaries from around the world, including Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, attended the solemn event.
Family members, community leaders, and prominent figures gathered to pay their final respects to the revered leader, who was widely recognized for his philanthropic contributions and efforts in global development.
Among the attendees were Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Aga Khan University President Sulaiman Shahabuddin, and Sultan Ali Allan, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Habib Bank Limited.
The Aga Khan will be laid to rest in a private burial ceremony in Aswan, Egypt, on Sunday. His son, Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, was officially named his successor following the unsealing of his father’s will.
A Life of Service and Influence
Born on December 13, 1936, in Geneva, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV spent his early years in Nairobi, Kenya, before pursuing education in Switzerland and later at Harvard University, where he studied Islamic history.
He assumed leadership of the Ismaili community in 1957 at the age of 20 following the passing of his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan.
Throughout his lifetime, the Aga Khan played a pivotal role in advancing education, healthcare, and economic development, particularly in Asia and Africa.
In 1967, he established the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), an international organization operating in over 30 countries, focusing on poverty alleviation, cultural restoration, and infrastructure development.
His philanthropic initiatives extended to Pakistan, where the Aga Khan Foundation and the Aga Khan University have made significant contributions to education and healthcare. He maintained a deep connection with the country, frequently visiting and investing in social development projects.
Beyond his humanitarian work, the Aga Khan was known for his passion for thoroughbred horse racing. His stables produced several champion horses, including the renowned Shergar, who won multiple prestigious races before being abducted in 1983.
Pakistan Pays Tribute
During the funeral, Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met with Prince Rahim Aga Khan and conveyed condolences on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan. He praised the late Aga Khan’s dedication to humanitarian work, calling his passing a “monumental loss” for the global community, particularly those in need.
Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch also acknowledged the Aga Khan’s enduring legacy, emphasizing his contributions to Pakistan’s social development.
In recognition of his remarkable contributions, the Government of Pakistan has declared February 8, 2025, a national day of mourning to honour the late Aga Khan’s enduring impact on the country and beyond.
As the Ismaili community, numbering around 15 million worldwide, mourns the passing of their spiritual leader, they embrace the transition to new leadership under Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, ensuring continuity in the mission of service and development.
