Lisbon (TDI): President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari arrived in Lisbon and offered condolences to Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini on his father’s death, Prince Karim Aga Khan, according to an official statement.
The Ambassador of Pakistan welcomed him to Portugal, Dr. Muhammad Khalid Ejaz, and officials from the Portuguese State Protocol.
President Asif Ali Zardari has left for Lisbon, Portugal, today. The President will meet His Highness Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, to extend his condolences on the passing away of late Prince Karim al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV.
During the visit President will also meet…
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) February 9, 2025
Later, the President conveyed his condolences to His Highness Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V on the sad demise of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.
President Asif Ali Zardari met Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V in Lisbon to offer condolences at the passing of Prince Karim al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV. He paid homage to the services of the late Aga Khan IV in uplifting of the underprivileged. While remembering his wisdom,… pic.twitter.com/F742KOv9ya
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) February 10, 2025
President Zardari is expected to meet with the President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
According to an official statement, President Zardari emphasized that the people and government of Pakistan deeply mourn the loss of Aga Khan IV, whose contributions to education, healthcare, and socio-economic development have left an indelible mark on communities worldwide.
President @AAliZardari offering Fateha over the demise of Prince Karim Aga Khan with Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan, in Lisbon pic.twitter.com/1fBsxOyZR3
— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) February 10, 2025
In an official statement, President Zardari emphasized that he was deeply moved by the loss of Aga Khan IV, whose visionary leadership transformed countless lives in Pakistan and beyond.
On the way to Lisbon, President Zardari also briefly stopped in Turkiye and met President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. President Erdogan is also scheduled to visit Islamabad from 12–13 February 2025.
President @AAliZardari meeting with the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, during his brief stop-over in Istanbul pic.twitter.com/MkGIbSwOSM
— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) February 10, 2025
The late Aga Khan IV played a crucial role in Pakistan’s socio-economic development, particularly through the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
Projects like the Aga Khan Rural Support Program have significantly impacted Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, focusing on poverty alleviation, healthcare, education, and cultural preservation.
These initiatives have benefited hundreds of thousands of Ismailis in Pakistan and contributed to national infrastructure and human development.
Born on December 13, 1936, in Geneva, Switzerland, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV led the global Ismaili community for nearly seven decades after succeeding his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, in 1957 at the age of 20.
He received his early education at Le Rosey School in Switzerland before earning a degree in Islamic history from Harvard University.
A key figure in philanthropy, development, and cultural preservation, the Aga Khan IV founded the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which operates in over 30 countries, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, East Africa, and Central Asia, supporting healthcare, education, and economic development initiatives.
