The funeral ceremony of Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, the 49th spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community, was held in Lisbon, Portugal on Saturday.
Dignitaries worldwide, including Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, attended the solemn occasion.
The ceremony took place at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon, where family members, community leaders, and other prominent figures paid their final respects.
Among those present were Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Aga Khan University President Sulaiman Shahabuddin, and Sultan Ali Allan, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Habib Bank Limited.
The Aga Khan, revered for his philanthropic work and contributions to global development, will be laid to rest at a private burial ceremony in Aswan, Egypt, on Sunday. His son, Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, was officially named his successor following the unsealing of his father’s will.
The Government of Pakistan has declared February 8, 2025, as a national day of mourning to honour the late Aga Khan’s contributions to Pakistan and beyond.
Life of service and influence
Born on December 13, 1936, in Geneva, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV spent his early years in Nairobi, Kenya, before receiving his education in Switzerland and later at Harvard University, where he studied Islamic history. He assumed the leadership of the Ismaili community in 1957 at the age of 20 following the passing of his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan.
Throughout his life, the Aga Khan played a pivotal role in advancing education, healthcare, and economic development, particularly in Asia and Africa. In 1967, he established the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), an international organisation that operates in over 30 countries, focusing on poverty alleviation, cultural restoration, and infrastructure development.
His philanthropic initiatives extended to Pakistan, where the Aga Khan Foundation and the Aga Khan University have made significant contributions to education and healthcare. He maintained a deep connection with the country, regularly visiting and investing in social development projects.
Beyond philanthropy, the Aga Khan was known for his passion for thoroughbred horse racing. His stables produced several champion horses, including the renowned Shergar, who won multiple prestigious races before being abducted in 1983.
Pakistan’s tribute
During the funeral, Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met with Prince Rahim Aga Khan and conveyed condolences on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan. He lauded the late Aga Khan’s dedication to humanitarian work, calling his demise a "monumental loss" for the global community, particularly for those in need.
Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch also acknowledged the Aga Khan’s enduring legacy, highlighting his contributions to Pakistan’s social development.
The Ismaili community, which numbers around 15 million worldwide, mourns the passing of their spiritual leader while embracing the transition to new leadership under Prince Rahim Aga Khan V.
