The world bids farewell to an extraordinary leader, philanthropist, and spiritual guide. Prince Karim Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary imam of the Ismaili Muslims, has passed away at the age of 88 in Lisbon, Portugal, surrounded by his family. His profound impact on global development, education, and culture leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations.
Born in Switzerland, the Aga Khan was a British citizen who lived in France. Leading the Ismaili Muslim community since 1957, he dedicated his life to humanitarian efforts, overseeing the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which established hospitals, schools, and cultural projects worldwide. His vision was to improve the quality of life for communities, regardless of their faith or background.
Beyond his philanthropic contributions, the Aga Khan was known for his passion for horse racing, breeding some of the world’s most legendary racehorses, including Shergar. Despite personal losses, his dedication to the sport remained unwavering, earning him prestigious wins in races across the UK, France, and Ireland.
His influence extended beyond charity and sports. He played a significant role in education and media, founding the Aga Khan University in Karachi, supporting Islamic architectural programs at Harvard and MIT, and establishing the Nation Media Group, East Africa’s largest independent media organization.
Global leaders have paid tribute to his enduring impact. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised him as a “man of vision and generosity,” while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described him as a “symbol of peace and compassion.” Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai also honored his contributions to education and development.
The passing of the Aga Khan marks the end of an era, but his legacy of service, innovation, and philanthropy will continue to inspire the world.
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