Thu Feb 06 02:31:18 IST 2025: ## Aga Khan, Spiritual Leader and Philanthropist, Dies at 88

**Lisbon, Portugal** – Prince Karim Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary imam of the Ismaili Muslims and a renowned philanthropist, has passed away peacefully at the age of 88 in Lisbon, Portugal, surrounded by his family. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the charity he founded, announced his death via social media.

The Aga Khan, a British citizen who resided in France, was a close friend of King Charles III and the late Queen Elizabeth II. His death has prompted expressions of deep sadness from world leaders and figures.

Throughout his life, the Aga Khan oversaw the AKDN, a network responsible for hundreds of hospitals, educational institutions, and cultural projects primarily in developing nations. While known for his lavish lifestyle, including a private island and yacht, his philanthropic work significantly impacted the lives of millions. His contributions spanned poverty alleviation, healthcare, and gender equality.

Tributes poured in from around the globe, praising his vision, faith, generosity, and commitment to improving the lives of marginalized communities. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called him a “remarkable leader,” while Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai lauded his legacy in education, health, and development. UN Secretary-General António Guterres described him as a symbol of peace, tolerance, and compassion.

Beyond his humanitarian efforts, the Aga Khan was a prominent figure in the world of horse racing, achieving notable success as an owner and breeder, most famously with Shergar, the winner of the 1981 Epsom Derby.

His successor, one of his male descendants, has been named following the unsealing of his will, although the AKDN statement did not name the heir apparent at the time of initial reporting. The Ismaili community, numbering approximately 15 million worldwide, now enters a period of transition under new leadership.

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