8 February Day Tribute Continues for Aga Khan IV
The Aga Khan's legacy extends beyond his philanthropic work, with notable achievements in the world of horse racing, and his tireless efforts for poverty alleviation, improving access to healthcare, education, and cultural heritage, which have transformed Gilgit-Baltistan into a model of human development.
The nation is observing a day of mourning on Saturday, February 8, to mark the demise of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, with the national flag flying at half-mast across the country, as the people of Gilgit-Baltistan recall his services for humanity that have left an indelible mark on the region.
Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary imam of the Ismaili Muslims, passed away at 88 in Lisbon, Portugal, leaving behind a legacy of philanthropy and humanitarian work. He was a billionaire philanthropist and spiritual leader who was also a close friend of King Charles and the late Queen Elizabeth II. Born in Switzerland, he inherited a vast fortune and used it to fund various charitable projects, including hospitals, educational and cultural institutions, primarily in the developing world.
The Aga Khan's visionary leadership and dedication to humanitarian causes have transformed Gilgit-Baltistan from a backward area into a model of human development. He left no stone unturned to uplift the socio-economic status of the region and is remembered for his tireless efforts for poverty alleviation, improving access to healthcare, education, and cultural heritage. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and other agencies launched projects for the betterment of the region.
Meanwhile, Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, will grant an audience to senior leaders of the Jamat on February 11 in Lisbon, where they will pledge their allegiance to him. Prince Rahim, the eldest son of the late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, serves on the boards of various agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network, focusing on environmental protection and mitigating climate change.
As the nation continues to pay tribute to the late Prince Karim Aga Khan, his legacy will be remembered for generations to come, and his contributions to humanity will continue to inspire and uplift communities around the world.
