Prince Rahim Aga Khan
Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan has been officially named the 50th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslim community following the passing of Mawlana Shah Karim Aga Khan IV. The announcement was made by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) on social media on Wednesday, shortly after the late Imam’s will was read in Lisbon, Portugal, in the presence of his family and senior community leaders.
The passing of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, renowned for his extensive philanthropic efforts, wealth, and contributions to global development, marks the end of an era for the world’s 15 million Ismaili Muslims. He breathed his last in Lisbon at the age of 88 on Tuesday. The Ismaili community now looks to Prince Rahim Aga Khan V to guide them into a new era of spiritual and institutional leadership.
Who is Prince Rahim Aga Khan V?
Born on October 12, 1971, Prince Rahim Aga Khan is the eldest son of the late Aga Khan IV and Princess Salimah Aga Khan—formerly known as Sarah Croker Poole, a British ex-model. Prince Rahim is married to Kendra Spears, a former American fashion model, with whom he has two sons.
He has been deeply involved in the Ismaili community’s governance and philanthropic initiatives, serving as the Chairman of AKDN’s Environment and Climate Committee. His work has focused on protecting the environment, mitigating climate change, and addressing poverty. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), established in 1967, employs around 80,000 people and has played a crucial role in building schools, hospitals, and providing electricity to underprivileged communities in Africa and Asia.
Legacy of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV
The late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who served as the 49th hereditary Imam, was a widely respected philanthropist and businessman. He was particularly well known for his success in horse racing, with his thoroughbred Shergar becoming one of the most famous racehorses in history.
His wealth was estimated between $800 million to $13 billion, accumulated through family inheritance, horse breeding, tourism, and real estate investments. Despite his immense fortune, he dedicated a large portion of his wealth to humanitarian causes, helping underprivileged communities worldwide.
Condolences from Pakistani Leaders
Several Pakistani leaders, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, Chief Minister KP Ali Amin Gandapur, and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, extended their heartfelt condolences to the Aga Khan family and the Ismaili community.
President Zardari, who is currently on an official visit to China, described the late Aga Khan as a true friend of Pakistan who made remarkable contributions to the country’s social sector, particularly in health, education, and community development.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the late Aga Khan for his philanthropic work and global development efforts, while Deputy PM Ishaq Dar expressed deep sorrow over his passing, stating, “His unwavering commitment to improving communities worldwide leaves an indelible legacy.”
Three-Day Mourning in Gilgit-Baltistan
The Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) government declared a three-day mourning period from February 5 to 7, in honor of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV’s contributions to the region. GB Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan expressed deep sorrow and paid tribute to the late leader’s extraordinary services in education, health, welfare, and cultural preservation.
As part of the mourning period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast, and Thursday, February 6, has been declared a public holiday across the region. The GB government assured the Ismaili community of its full support during this difficult time.
A New Chapter for the Ismaili Community
The Ismaili Muslim community, spread across Central Asia, the Middle East, South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and North America, now looks to Prince Rahim Aga Khan V to carry forward the spiritual and institutional legacy of his father.
With his experience in development, environmental conservation, and social governance, the new Imam is expected to lead the community into a new era of progress, unity, and global outreach, ensuring that the mission of the Aga Khan Development Network continues to uplift vulnerable populations worldwide.
