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Express Tribune
27-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
AKU in Pakistan celebrates class of 2024
With Princess Zahra Aga Khan in attendance, 473 students graduated from the Aga Khan University (AKU) on Wednesday, as the university paid tributes to its late founder and first chancellor Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. The AKU also welcomed Prince Rahim Aga Khan V as its new Chancellor, and Princess Zahra as its Pro-Chancellor. Students earned bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in 16 different fields, including nursing, medicine and education. More than 70% of the graduates were women. To date, the AKU has awarded nearly 16,000 degrees, diplomas and postgraduate certificates in Pakistan. "Our founding chancellor once said that the cornerstone of his vision was opportunity – the opportunity to build a better life for oneself and one's family," President Sulaiman Shahabuddin said. "In Pakistan, His Highness created opportunities for millions of people through the AKU and the AKDN. Looking out at the Class of 2024 today, I see women and men who are, without question, ready to play their part in creating a world that is rich in opportunity." The longest-serving member of the AKU's Board of Trustees, Princess Zahra was appointed by Prince Rahim Aga Khan V to serve as the university's Pro-Chancellor and act on his behalf. Her appointment was announced by Chair of the Board of Trustees Zakir Mahmood. "Princess Zahra's appointment shows the strong commitment of His Highness to build on and advance the legacy of our founding Chancellor and his conviction in the mission and vision of the University," Mahmood said. He cited Princess Zahra's deep understanding of the AKU's plans, programmes and vision, and her close involvement in its growth and evolution over two decades. "It brings me much happiness that my brother, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan, in accordance with my father's wishes and the founding Charter of AKU, has become Chancellor," Princess Zahra said. "I am deeply honoured that His Highness has appointed me Pro-Chancellor of AKU, so that, togetherin our respective roleswe may continue to sustain and strengthen this remarkable institution, remaining true to our father's vision for the university," she added. "His Highness the Aga Khan's vision of pluralism as vital to our existence reminds us of the diverse community we have built here and the inclusive world we aim to shape," Valedictorian Mustafa Saiyoum said. "As graduates of AKU, we are charged with the responsibility to carry this vision forwardto bridge gaps, create solutions and be agents of positive change." On the occasion, Saira Parveen received the School of Nursing and Midwifery's Outstanding Graduate Award, and Shahnoor Ahmed received the Medical College's Best Graduate Award. Associate Professor Shabina Ariff and Professor Sarah Saleem received the Award of Excellence in Research, Dean Adil Haider received the Award of Distinction and Professor Muhammad Rizwan Khan received the Award of Excellence in Teaching.
Express Tribune
16-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Bohra community leaders meet Agha Khan V
The leaders of the Dawoodi Bohra Community, representing head of the community Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, paid a visit to Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, in Lisbon, to condole the sad demise of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. Sultan Ali Allana, representative of AKDN, received the delegation. The delegation comprised Shahzada Ammar Jamaluddin, Shahzada Mehlam Yunus and Barrister Mehmood Yusuf Mandviwalla. A letter of condolence from the Syedna was handed over to Prince Rahim, in which the visionary leadership and tireless efforts of his father, in promoting education, healthcare and social welfare were praised. Syedna also recalled as to how the Dawoodi Bohra and Ismaili community shared the ancestry and values.
Express Tribune
15-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Bohra Community calls on Prince Rahim
Listen to article The leaders of the Dawoodi Bohra Community representing His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, paid a condolence call on His Highness Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, in Lisbon, on the sad demise of his father, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. Mr. Sultan Ali Allana, representative of AKDN, received the delegation which was introduced to him by Barrister Mehmood Yusuf Mandviwalla. The delegation comprised Shahzada Ammar Jamaluddin, brother of His Holiness, Shahzada Mehlam Yunus and Barrister Mehmood Yusuf Mandviwalla. At the meeting, leaders of the Ismaili Community comprising Mr. Sultan Ali Allana were also present. A letter of condolence from the Syedna was handed over to Prince Rahim, in which the visionary leadership and tireless efforts of his father, in promoting education, healthcare and social welfare were praised. In addition, Syedna also recalled as to how the Dawoodi Bohra and Ismaili Community shared the ancestry and profound commitment to upholding the value and legacies of the Fatimid Imams. The Syedna also recalled the deep bond between the Communities that expanded over generations from the time of His Holiness Syedna Tahir Saifuddin and Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin. The Dawoodi Bohra Community stands in solidarity with the Ismaili Community in this time of grief and offers its deepest sympathies and support. The Syedna also conveyed his prayers to Prince Rahim on his accession as Aga Khan V and carrying forth the spiritual legacies of his forefathers.
Arab News
11-02-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan president meets Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, condoles over death of his ‘visionary' father
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday met with Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, in Portugal's capital Lisbon and extended his condolences over the death of his 'visionary' father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the Pakistani foreign ministry said. The late Aga Khan IV, who led the global Ismaili community for nearly seven decades, passed away last week at the age of 88. His death was announced by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Ismaili religious community. A private funeral service took place at the Ismaili community center in Lisbon on Saturday, attended by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Spanish King Juan Carlos, Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Pakistan's Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. He was laid to rest on Sunday at a private ceremony in Aswan, Egypt. Following the late Aga Khan's passing, his eldest son, Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini, 53, was named the Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili community, in accordance with his father's will. 'Remembering the late Aga Khan as a visionary leader and humanitarian, the President praised his exceptional contributions to education, health care, and poverty alleviation,' the Pakistani foreign ministry said. 'He highlighted the Aga Khan Development Network's (AKDN) lasting impact, including its vital role in Pakistan's progress, particularly in underserved regions.' Founded by the late Ismaili leader, the AKDN has been instrumental in various development projects in Pakistan, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral regions. Initiatives such as the Aga Khan Rural Support Program have focused on poverty alleviation, health care, education and cultural preservation, significantly contributing to the socio-economic development of these areas. The Ismaili community in Pakistan, numbering in hundreds of thousands, has benefited from these initiatives, which have also had a positive impact on the national economy through improved infrastructure and human development. During Monday's meeting, Prince Rahim Aga Khan V thanked the Pakistan president for his condolences and reaffirmed his family's commitment to continuing the mission of service and development, according to the Pakistani foreign ministry. Zardari will also meet his Portuguese counterpart during his trip to the country, according to Pakistani state media.
Al-Ahram Weekly
09-02-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Ismaili community leader Prince Karim Aga Khan buried in Egypt's Aswan
Following Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly's official approval on Saturday, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini (Aga Khan IV), the 49th imam of the Ismaili Muslim community, was buried in the Aga Khan Mausoleum in Aswan on Sunday. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), an Aga Khan charity, announced on Tuesday that Prince Karim passed away in Lisbon, Portugal, at the age of 88. Aga Khan IV was buried in Aswan alongside his grandfather, Aga Khan III, Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan. His funeral service was held on Wednesday in Portugal before Sunday's private burial ceremony in Egypt. On Saturday, Aswan Governor Major General Ismail Kamal received Aga Khan's son, Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini, and his family at Aswan International Airport in preparation for the official funeral ceremony, according to a statement from the governorate. According to an AKDN post on X, his son Aga Khan V was named the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims a day after his death. Who was Prince Karim Aga Khan? Prince Karim Aga Khan was the Ismaili Muslim community's 49th imam and spiritual leader. This Shia sect traces its spiritual leadership through a lineage of imams, including Imam Ismail, who passed away in 765 AD. Ismailis believe they are direct descendants of the Prophet Muhammad. Prince Karim Aga Khan was born in Switzerland and held British citizenship. In 1957, at age 20, he became the imam of the Ismaili Muslims, succeeding his grandfather, Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan. Prince Karim Aga Khan was awarded the Padma Vibhushan by former President Pranab Mukherjee. Photo by AKDN He founded the AKDN , a network dedicated to improving the quality of life for those in need, primarily in Asia and Africa. He also established the Nation Media Group (NMG), one of the largest independent media organizations in East and Central Africa, serving as a voice for the African population. Aswan governor receiving Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini, and his family at Aswan. Photo by Aswan Governorate Facebook page Aga Khan also established the Om Habibeh Foundation in Aswan, which plays a vital role in implementing development programmes supporting healthcare, education, and microfinance initiatives to improve the lives of local communities. In 2015, former President Pranab Mukherjee awarded Aga Khan the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to social development in the country. Global tributes World leaders and public figures have honoured Prince Aga Khan and recognized his contributions to global development. Emirati Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum extended his condolences on Wednesday through X. He described Prince Karim Aga Khan as one of the "world's greatest philanthropists, whose life's work was dedicated to relieving the hopelessness of poverty, promoting human development, building bridges between communities, and working tirelessly in the cause of peace." Activist and Nobel Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai also paid tribute in a post on X: "His legacy will continue to live on through the incredible work he led for education, health, and development around the world." Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described him as "a symbol of peace, tolerance, and compassion in our troubled world," extending his condolences to his family and the Ismaili community in a post on X on Wednesday. I am deeply saddened by the news that His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, has passed away. He was a symbol of peace, tolerance and compassion in our troubled world. I express my deepest condolences to His Highness's family and the Ismaili community. — António Guterres (@antonioguterres) February 4, 2025 Short link:
