Latest news with #KarimAgaKhan
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:
Arab News
06-02-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
PM Sharif mourns Aga Khan's passing, hails his humanitarian legacy
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed grief over the passing of Prince Karim Aga Khan, calling him a visionary leader whose contributions to development and humanitarian causes will continue to inspire generations. The Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili community and head of a major development aid foundation, died on Tuesday in Lisbon at the age of 88, his foundation announced. He spearheaded global efforts in poverty alleviation, health care and education, touching millions of lives across continents. 'I join the Ismaili community in mourning the colossal loss from the passing away of Prince Karim Aga Khan,' Sharif wrote on social media platform X. 'A man of vision, faith, and generosity, his enduring legacy will continue to inspire generations. His contributions transcended borders, bringing hope and progress to communities in need.' 'He was a remarkable leader whose life was dedicated to uplifting communities across the world,' the prime minister added. 'Through his tireless efforts in poverty alleviation, health care, and gender equality, he championed the cause of the marginalized, leaving an indelible mark on countless lives.' I join the Ismaili community in mourning the colossal loss from the passing away of Prince Karim Aga Khan. A man of vision, faith, and generosity, his enduring legacy will continue to inspire generations. His contributions transcended borders, bringing hope and progress to… — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) February 5, 2025 The Aga Khan was widely respected for his philanthropic and development work. He founded and presided over the Aga Khan Development Network, which employs nearly 96,000 people and funds projects particularly in Asia and Africa. Pakistan is home to a significant Ismaili community, particularly in the northern regions such as Hunza, Gilgit and Chitral. The Aga Khan's institutions have played a vital role in improving education, health care and economic opportunities in these areas, helping to uplift remote communities. His network's initiatives, such as the Aga Khan University and various rural support programs, have had a lasting impact on the country's social development. Born in Geneva, the Aga Khan spent his early years in Kenya before being appointed in Tanzania to succeed his grandfather in 1957. Over the decades, he expanded his community's global presence, including in South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. -With input from AFP
Express Tribune
06-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Condolences offered for Prince Karim Aga Khan
KARACHI/JOHI: Condolences poured in from wide section of the society on the passing away of Prince Karim Aga Khan, the 49th Imam of the Ismaili community better known in the city for his philanthropic activities in the field of health and education. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah expressed deep sorrow on behalf of himself and the people of the province over the demise of Prince Karim Aga Khan. He stated that Prince Karim Aga Khan's philanthropic activities and services to humanity are unforgettable, adding that his memories will always remain alive. Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab also expressed his condolences, mentioning that the late Prince had a deep connection with Pakistan and visited the country several times. He initiated numerous welfare and social projects in Pakistan. Chairman of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P), Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, in his condolence message said that the deceased had dedicated his life to serving humanity, promoting health and education and setting an example of unity.
Express Tribune
05-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Nawaz, Maryam eulogise Aga Khan
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and PML-N President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif have paid rich tribute to the social services of Prince Karim Aga Khan while expressing a deep sense of grief and sorrow over his demise. The chief minister offered sincere condolences and extended her heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family members and other concerned. Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif stated, "It was with great shock and sorrow that I learnt this morning of the passing away of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, the 49th Imam of the Ismaili community. Prince Karim Aga Khan was not only loved by the members of his community but was also respected the world over. His role in the promotion of education, health, social welfare and women empowerment had earned him the gratitude and admiration of the entire country, where his many projects are spread all over." The PML-N leader added, "I had the great pleasure of meeting him on many occasions, but I especially recall the time I spent with him during his visit to Pakistan in December 2013, when he was accompanied by his elegant daughter, Princess Zahra. Prince Karim Aga Khan also had the distinction of being the Grandson of Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah, who was one of the most prominent leaders in the Subcontinent's struggle for independence and freedom from colonial rule."
BBC News
05-02-2025
- General
- BBC News
New Aga Khan named as Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini
Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini has been named the new Aga Khan, spiritual leader of millions of Shia Ismaili Muslims around the will take on the role from his father Prince Karim Aga Khan, who died on Tuesday at the age of appointment was made after Prince Karim Aga Khan's will was unsealed, the Aga Khan Development Network said in a Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V will be the 50th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, who say they are direct decedents of the Prophet Muhammad. The Ismailis are a Shia Muslim sect who revere a number of Imams, including Imam Ismail, who died in 765 have a worldwide population of about 15 million, including 500,000 in Pakistan. There are also large populations in India, Afghanistan and parts of Karim Aga Khan succeeded his grandfather as Imam of the Ismaili Muslims in 1957 at the age of died surrounded by family in Lisbon, Portugal, the Aga Khan Development Network said.
