Prince Karim Aga Khan led the Ismaili community as their spiritual leader for a long time, guiding them on ethics, pluralism, and tolerance. After his passing, his son, Prince Rahim Aga Khan, has been appointed as the 50th Imam of the community. The question arises: On what basis was Prince Rahim Aga Khan given this position?
As long as Prince Karim Aga Khan was alive, his name was predominantly recognized by the public as the founder of AKDN and for his various services, in line with Ismaili traditions. Outside the Ismaili community, a large portion of the public did not know much about Prince Rahim Aga Khan, who is now responsible for the community’s future.
Prince Karim al-Husseini, known as Aga Khan IV, passed away in Lisbon, Portugal, while his burial took place in Egypt. Following the passing of their 49th Imam, the Ismaili Imamat’s diwan announced the new spiritual leader, and according to Prince Karim Aga Khan’s will, after Princess Zahra Aga Khan, his eldest son, Prince Rahim Aga Khan, was appointed as Imam.
Services of Prince Rahim Aga Khan
In Lisbon, the announcement of Prince Rahim Aga Khan as the 50th Imam was made in the presence of Prince Karim Aga Khan’s family and senior members of the Ismaili community. Prince Rahim Aga Khan was born on October 12, 1971, graduated from Brown University in 1995, and has gained extensive experience serving on the boards of various agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
Prince Rahim Aga Khan closely observed the work of the Institute of Ismaili Studies and the social governance institutions of the Ismaili community. During this time, he also served as the chairman of AKDN’s committee on environmental and climate change issues. He supervised projects focused on poverty reduction and economic improvement.
While serving in various departments, Prince Rahim Aga Khan regularly met with leaders of governments and international organizations. In recognition of his services, President Asif Ali Zardari awarded him the Nishan-e-Pakistan honor.