PRINCE Karim Aga Khan was a man who straddled various worlds and cultures. Beyond his role as spiritual leader of the world’s Ismaili Muslims, he was a man of great wealth and influence, channelling funds towards the socioeconomic uplift of his flock as well as other communities, particularly in the developing world. Pakistan — where his followers can be found from the coastal towns of Sindh to the mountains of the far north — was among the key countries he focused on, especially with regard to health and education schemes, with people from all confessional backgrounds benefiting. A major university and hospital, as well as countless health and education schemes across the country, bear the Aga Khan mark. Perhaps his concern for Pakistan, apart from the presence of his community members in the country, can be traced to his grandfather, Aga Khan III, who played a key role in the Pakistan Movement.

Though Karim Aga Khan was the leader of a religious group that traces its origins to the eighth century, he was a thoroughly modern man. He wore many hats — Olympic skier, breeder and owner of thoroughbred horses, astute entrepreneur, philanthropist, and religious leader. He rubbed shoulders with royalty and the global political elite, while his followers were spread out across the world, from the subcontinent to the mountains of Central Asia and the coast of East Africa and beyond. In almost seven decades as head of the Ismaili imamat, the late prince transformed his jamaat, while also contributing to the communities and states where his followers lived. Arguably, it was his contributions to health, education and culture that will particularly stand out. He encouraged his followers to pursue educational excellence, and the institutions he oversaw also offered pathways for people from all confessional backgrounds to gain quality education. Prince Karim’s contribution to cultural preservation was also considerable, particularly of historical monuments in Muslim states. In his condolence message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the late Aga Khan “championed the cause of the marginalised”. In fact, Prince Karim’s focus on health and education would be a model worthy of emulation for religious and community leaders across the Muslim world. There is little doubt that the 50th Ismaili imam, Rahim Aga Khan, will have formidable standards to uphold.

Published in Dawn, February 6th, 2025