President Zardari meets Prince Rahim, condoles Aga Khan’s demise

LISBON: President Asif Ali Zardari met Prince Rahim Hussaini on Monday to offer condolences over the demise of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan, the 49th Imam of Ismaili Muslims.

On behalf of the people and government of Pakistan, President Zardari expressed profound sympathy, noting that the nation mourns the loss of a true friend of theirs and a remarkable philanthropist. 

“The passing of Prince Karim Aga Khan is a deeply personal loss for me,” said the president, acknowledging his long-standing relationship with the late spiritual leader. 

He lauded Aga Khan’s invaluable contributions to Pakistan’s social and economic development, describing his leadership as visionary and impactful across various regions of the world. 

Recalling that he received the news of Aga Khan’s demise during his state visit to China, the president emphasized his visit to Lisbon as a gesture to pay tribute to Aga Khan’s lifelong dedication to humanity. 

“The late Aga Khan’s humanitarian work and services to humanity will always be remembered,” President Zardari remarked, expressing hope that Prince Rahim Hussaini would continue his father’s mission of serving humanity. 

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The president’s visit underscores the enduring friendship between Pakistan and the Aga Khan family, as well as the lasting impact of Prince Karim Aga Khan’s legacy.

The late Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, who died on Tuesday in Lisbon after nearly seven decades as the spiritual leader of the global Ismaili Muslim community, was buried in Aswan, Egypt on Sunday, according to the Ismaili Imamat.

“When his will was opened, it was found that he had requested to be buried in Aswan near his grandfather, Sultan Muhammad Shah, and his grandmother, Om Habiba,” said Maj-Gen Ismail Kamal, AP quoted him as saying.

Prince Karim, 88, was given the title of “His Highness” by Queen Elizabeth in July 1957, two weeks after his grandfather, the Aga Khan III, unexpectedly made him heir to the family’s 1,300-year dynasty as leader of the Ismaili Muslim sect.