Private Funeral Held in Lisbon, Portugal
The private funeral of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV was held in Lisbon, Portugal, with Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb attending on behalf of the Pakistani government. Prince Karim passed away at the age of 88 four days ago.
National Day of Mourning in Pakistan
Pakistan is observing a national day of mourning today, following the private funeral of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV in Lisbon. The national flag has been flown at half-mast across the country, as announced by the federal government two days ago. The prince will be laid to rest in Aswan, Egypt, tomorrow.
Finance Minister Expresses Condolences
Minister’s Condolences to the Family
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb attended the funeral prayers and conveyed heartfelt condolences to Prince Rahim on behalf of the President, Prime Minister, and the people of Pakistan. According to an official statement, Aurangzeb praised the late Prince Karim’s services and those of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which focuses on human capacity building, generating economic growth, building resilient communities, and preserving cultural heritage.
Prince Karim’s Special Connection with Pakistan
Aurangzeb noted that the sad passing of Prince Karim is a monumental loss not only for his family, friends, and followers but also for the underprivileged people around the world. He recalled the late prince’s deep attachment to Pakistan and its people.
The Role of the Aga Khan Development Network
AKDN’s Global Welfare Services
Under Prince Karim Aga Khan IV’s leadership, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) provided welfare services across various regions of Asia and Africa. In recognition of his immense contributions, Prince Karim received 44 international awards, including honorary Canadian citizenship and the UN Champion for Global Change Award.
Prince Karim’s Services to Pakistan
For his exceptional services to Pakistan, Prince Karim was awarded the highest civilian honors in the country: Nishan-i-Imtiaz in 1970 and Nishan-i-Pakistan in 1983.
Background of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV
Early Life and Education
Prince Karim Aga Khan IV was born in Switzerland and spent his childhood in Nairobi. He graduated from Harvard University with a BA in Islamic History.
Ascension to Imamat
At the age of 20, Prince Karim assumed the position of Imam in 1957, succeeding his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III.
Prince Karim Aga Khan’s Family
Family and Legacy
Prince Karim Aga Khan IV is survived by three sons—Prince Rahim Aga Khan, Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan, and Prince Hussain Aga Khan—and a daughter, Princess Zahra Aga Khan.
