Lisbon (Web Desk): The funeral of Prince Karim al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili community, who died at the age of 88, was held in Portugal’s Lisbon on Saturday.
He died at the age of 88, and his funeral took place in Lisbon on Saturday. The Ismaili community centre in the Portuguese capital hosted the private ceremony, where his followers and dignitaries gathered to pay their respects. Pakistan has declared today as a national day of mourning to honour the late Imam.
The country is observing the event with the national flag lowered to half-mast, following the government's official directive issued two days ago.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb represented Pakistan at the funeral prayers, extending heartfelt condolences from the president, prime minister, and the citizens of Pakistan to Prince Rahim, the Aga Khan's son and successor.
In his remarks, Aurangzeb spoke highly of Prince Karim's enduring impact on the world, praising his lifelong dedication to human development and his leadership of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
He said that the network has touched countless lives through its emphasis on education, economic growth, community resilience, and cultural preservation.
The minister also expressed how Prince Karim’s passing is a profound loss, not only to his family and followers but also to the many disadvantaged people he worked tirelessly to uplift.
Prince Karim's legacy extends far beyond his community.
Born in Switzerland, he spent his early years in Nairobi and later earned a degree in Islamic History from Harvard University.
He succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III, as the Imam at the age of just 20 years in 1957.
Over the decades, he became a respected figure in global development, recognized for his extraordinary efforts in transforming regions of Asia and Africa through the AKDN’s various initiatives.
Prince Karim’s tireless work earned him numerous accolades, including 44 international honors, honorary Canadian citizenship, and the UN Champion for Global Change Award.
He was also awarded 24 honorary degrees from prestigious universities such as Harvard, Cambridge, and McGill.
In Pakistan, Prince Karim’s contributions to the nation's growth were particularly noteworthy.
The government honoured him with the country’s highest civilian awards, the Nishan-i-Imtiaz in 1970 and the Nishan-i-Pakistan 1983, in recognition of his invaluable service.
His influence in Pakistan was widely acknowledged, and his devotion to improving the lives of its people, especially those in need, left an indelible mark.
As the Aga Khan’s eldest son, Prince Rahim, steps into his new role as the 50th Imam, the Ismaili community faces a difficult transition, but with a sense of continuity and hope.
