Lisbon, (TDI)– On the passing Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari has extended condolences to Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, son of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, describing him as a true friend of Pakistan and a great philanthropist.
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 Asif Ali Zardari has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, recalling his personal connection with the late Ismaili leader and commending his remarkable contributions to Pakistan’s development.
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.
He further expressed confidence that Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, would uphold his father’s humanitarian mission, continuing to serve the cause of global development and cultural preservation.
Following his father’s passing, Prince Rahim al-Hussaini, 53, was formally named Aga Khan V, assuming the role of the 50th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, in accordance with his father’s will.
President Zardari also mentioned, he was on his official visit to China when he learnt about passing away of Prince Aga Khan IV.
On reaching in Portugal today, he was received at the airport by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Portugal, Dr. Muhammad Khalid Ejaz, along with senior officials from the Portuguese State Protocol. During his visit, he is scheduled to meet Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa to discuss bilateral relations and pay tribute to the late Aga Khan.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed President Zardari’s visit to Portugal in a statement, noting, the President’s visit to Lisbon to meet Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V and Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa to extend condolences on the passing of the late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.
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
The Aga Khan IV passed away last week at the age of 88 and buried in Aswan, Egypt, on February 9, 2025. His death was officially announced by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Ismaili community. A private funeral service was held on February 8, 2025, at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon, attended by prominent global figures, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Spain’s King Emeritus Juan Carlos, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.
The late Aga Khan IV played a crucial role in Pakistan’s socio-economic development, particularly through the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
Projects such as 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 not only benefited hundreds of thousands of Ismailis in Pakistan but have also 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.
