President Asif Ali Zardari left for Lisbon on Sunday to extend his condolences over the passing of Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, the 49th spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, known for his global humanitarian and development efforts.
During his visit, President Zardari will meet His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan to express sympathy on the demise of his father, according to an official statement from the President’s House. He will also meet Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
Aga Khan IV passed away on February 4 at the age of 88 in Lisbon, surrounded by family. His final rites were conducted in a private burial ceremony in Aswan, Egypt, on Sunday. Following the opening of his Will, Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V was declared as the 50th spiritual leader of the Ismaili community.
On Saturday, a funeral ceremony was held at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon, attended by over 300 dignitaries, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, former Spanish King Juan Carlos I, and Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. Also present were Ismaili community leaders, Aga Khan University President Sulaiman Shahabuddin, and Habib Bank Limited Board Chairman Sultan Ali Allan.
The late Aga Khan IV was widely respected for his contributions to education, healthcare, and cultural preservation through the Aga Khan Development Network.
