Prince Karim Aga Khan passes away in Lisbon at 88

LISBON: Prince Karim al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslim community, has died in Lisbon at the age of 88, according to the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) on social media.

AKDN announced Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan has been named the 50th hereditary Imam.

“In keeping with the centuries-old tradition of nass — the formal designation of a successor — the mantle of leadership has now passed to Mawlana Shah Rahim Aga Khan V,” read a post on the Ismaili social media website.

The announcement adds that the new Imam inherits the spiritual and institutional leadership of the Ismaili community. As the community comes to terms with the loss of its beloved 49th Imam, it now looks to Prince Rahim Aga Khan V to guide them into a new era, the post on AKDN page said.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his deep shock and sadness over the passing away of Prince Karim Aga Khan.

President Asif Ali Zardari, who is on an official visit to China, in his statement, said that Pakistan lost a great friend, who had made great contributions towards the uplift of Pakistan’s social sector, particularly in the health, education and community development.

The invaluable services of Prince Karim Aga Khan for humanity will always be remembered, President Secretariat Press Wing, in a press release, quoted the president as saying.

The president termed Prince Karim Aga Khan’s demise a monumental loss, saying that words could not adequately express his sorrow at the loss of such a devoted friend of Pakistan.

He said that the late Prince Karim Aga Khan revolutionised the educational landscape in Gilgit-Baltistan, establishing world-class educational standards in the region.

The president said that during his every visit to Pakistan, Prince Karim Aga Khan demonstrated heartfelt affection for its people and launched numerous diverse projects, many of which were completed and serve as a perpetual source of benefit and inspiration.

“His initiatives are a true Sadaqah Jariyah, ongoing charity,” he said.

The president extended his deepest condolences to the Aga Khan family and the global Ismaili community on behalf of the people and the government of Pakistan.

He expressed the hope that the new spiritual leader would follow in his esteemed father’s footsteps, setting new benchmarks for service and humanity.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed grief and sorrow over the death of Prince Karim Aga Khan.

In a post on his X handle, he said Prince Karim Aga Khan was a man of vision, faith and generosity and his enduring legacy will continue to inspire generations. His contributions transcended borders bringing hope and progress to communities in need.

Shehbaz Sharif said Prince Karim Aga Khan was a remarkable leader whose life was dedicated to uplifting communities across the world. Through his tireless efforts in poverty alleviation, healthcare and gender equality he championed the cause of the marginalised leaving an indelible mark on countless lives.

Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani has expressed grief and sorrow over the death of spiritual leader of Ismaili Community Prince Karim Aga Khan.

In his condolence message, he said Prince Karim Aga Khan was a great human being who dedicated his life to peace and humanity. With his passing the world has lost a compassionate empathetic and selfless leader.

The acting president said the contributions of Prince Karim Aga Khan in the fields of education and healthcare will always be remembered. He carried out numerous welfare initiatives for the underprivileged and middle class communities benefiting millions.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has expressed grief and sorrow over the death of Prince Karim Aga Khan.

In a statement the Deputy Prime Minister said Prince Karim Aga Khan’s unwavering dedication to philanthropy and the betterment of communities worldwide has left an indelible mark on the world.

Ishaq Dar said Prince Karim Aga Khan’s special attachment to Pakistan and his matchless contribution to the development and progress of its people can never be forgotten.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed his condolences over the sad demise of Prince Karim Aga Khan the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community Mohsin Naqvi offered his heartfelt condolences to the grieving family and the Ismaili community He stated that the late Prince Karim Aga Khan’s services to the social sectors are unforgettable He noted that Prince Karim Aga Khan made significant contributions to education and healthcare in Pakistan Mohsin Naqvi said with Prince Karim Aga Khan s passing the world has lost a compassionate personality who cared deeply for humanity.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Prince Karim Aga Khan, extending his condolences to his family and the Ismaili Muslim community.

“I am saddened to hear about the passing of Prince Karim Aga Khan and extend my condolences to his family and the greater Ismaili Muslim community,” the minister said.

Khawaja Asif highlighted Prince Karim’s remarkable contributions, stating that his leadership ushered in an era of progress not only for Ismaili Muslims but for humanity at large.

He noted that Pakistan’s heritage and education sector owes a great deal to his activism.

He also acknowledged Prince Karim’s family legacy, recalling that his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mohammad Shah Aga Khan, was a founding leader of the All-India Muslim League and played a key role in the creation of Pakistan.

Khawaja Asif said, “I was fortunate to witness his first official visit to Pakistan in 1957 as a young boy in Sialkot.

Then, two years ago, during another visit, I had the privilege and honor of serving as the minister-in-waiting for him.

“He fondly recalled Prince Karim’s first tour over six decades ago, describing it as a cherished memory.

Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture Attaullah Tarar expressed a deep grief over demise of Prince Karim Aga Khan, terming him a visionary leader and a symbol of unity.

The minister also posted his grandfather, former President Rafiq Tarar’s picture with Prince Karim Aga Khan on X to recall the special bond between them, which was built on mutual respect and service to humanity.

Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb will represent the government of Pakistan at the funeral of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. -Agencies

Our correspondent adds: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) announced a three-day mourning. The announcement was made by Secretary General of the Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians, Syed Nayyer Hussain Bukhari, under the directives of Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.