Spiritual Leader and Philanthropist Passes Away at 88
Billionaire philanthropist and revered spiritual leader Prince Karim Aga Khan has passed away at the age of 88, according to an announcement by his global charitable network, the Aga Khan Development Network. His death marks the end of an era for millions of Ismaili Muslims, who regarded him as their 49th hereditary imam, tracing his lineage directly to the Prophet Muhammad.
The Aga Khan reportedly passed away peacefully in Lisbon, Portugal, surrounded by his family. Born in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1936, Prince Karim held British citizenship and lived in a grand château in France. His remarkable life was marked by a rare combination of religious leadership, philanthropic endeavors, and business acumen.
After succeeding his grandfather as imam at the age of 20 in 1957, Prince Karim spent more than six decades modernizing the Ismaili community and promoting humanitarian causes across the globe. Under his stewardship, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) became a powerful force for development in healthcare, education, and cultural preservation, largely in the developing world.

A Life of Service and Philanthropy
The Aga Khan’s charities operate hundreds of hospitals, schools, and cultural initiatives in countries across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The network’s efforts have touched the lives of millions, improving access to education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods.
Despite his philanthropic work, the Aga Khan was also known for his luxurious lifestyle, owning a private island in the Bahamas, a super-yacht, and a private jet. His influence extended beyond religious and charitable work into the business world, with interests in media, architecture, and horse-breeding.
The Aga Khan’s passion for horse racing made him a prominent figure in the sport. He became one of the leading owners and breeders in the UK, France, and Ireland. One of his most famous horses, Shergar, captured global attention by winning the Derby at Epsom in 1981 by an astonishing 10 lengths. Sadly, Shergar was kidnapped in Ireland two years later and never found.
Reflecting on Shergar’s triumph, the Aga Khan once said: “It’s a memory that can never, never go away. I’ve seen that film I don’t know, tens or hundreds of times. Every time I see the film, I feel that I have learned something.”
His racing legacy continued with major victories, including the Epsom Derby wins with Shahrastani (1986), Kahyasi (1988), Sinndar (2000), and Harzand (2016). He also enjoyed success with the brilliant unbeaten filly Zarkava, who won the prestigious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in 2008.

Cultural Preservation and Global Influence
Beyond horse racing, the Aga Khan was deeply committed to cultural preservation. He established the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, which played a key role in restoring historic landmarks, such as Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi. His contributions to architecture were recognized through the establishment of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, one of the most prestigious architectural prizes in the world.
Education was another cornerstone of his legacy. He founded the Aga Khan University in Karachi and supported the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Media and Business Ventures
The Aga Khan was also the founder of the Nation Media Group, East and Central Africa’s largest independent media organization. His media ventures were driven by a commitment to independent journalism and fostering informed societies.
Global Tributes
Following his passing, tributes poured in from world leaders and global figures. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the prince as a “man of vision, faith, and generosity” who left an indelible mark on countless lives through his tireless efforts in poverty alleviation, healthcare, and gender equality.
Nobel laureate and activist Malala Yousafzai expressed her condolences, saying: “His legacy will continue to live on through the incredible work he led for education, health, and development around the world.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres hailed him as a “symbol of peace, tolerance, and compassion in our troubled world.”
A Visionary Legacy
Prince Karim Aga Khan’s influence extended far beyond his role as a spiritual leader. His visionary approach to development, philanthropy, and culture made him a global figure of immense respect. His enduring legacy will continue to shape lives and communities for generations to come, reflecting his lifelong mission of improving the human condition and promoting harmony across religious and cultural divides.