The spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community, Prince Shah Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, passed away early on Wednesday, leaving millions of followers around the world in mourning.

In response, the Gilgit-Baltistan government has announced a public holiday across the province on February 6, as per an official notification. Additionally, the region will observe three days of official mourning, during which the national flag will be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect.

Prince Karim Aga Khan IV passed away in Lisbon at the age of 88, the Aga Khan Development Network announced on Tuesday.

“With profound sadness, the Jamat is informed that our beloved 49th hereditary Imam, Mawlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini, passed peacefully to Almighty Allah’s grace on February 4, 2025, in Lisbon, Portugal, surrounded by his family,” the statement read.

Also Read: Prince Karim Aga Khan IV breathes his last in Lisbon

In keeping with Ismaili tradition, the announcement of his successor will be made after the reading of his will in the presence of his family and senior community members.

Born on December 13, 1936, in Geneva, Prince Karim Aga Khan assumed the role of Imam of the Ismaili community on July 11, 1957, at the age of 20, following the passing of his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan.

He led the global Ismaili community for nearly seven decades, advocating for social progress, education, and economic development across Asia, Africa, and beyond.

A direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through Hazrat Ali and Hazrat Fatima, Prince Karim dedicated his life to the welfare of his followers and the wider Muslim Ummah.