Ismaili community welcomes Prince Rahim Aga Khan as new spiritual leader

Prince Rahim Aga Khan has been appointed the 50th imam and spiritual leader of the Ismaili community following the passing of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan.

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) announced that the transition follows Prince Karim’s will. The late leader, who guided the Ismaili community for nearly seven decades, died on Feb. 5 in Lisbon at the age of 88.

Prince Rahim, the eldest son of Prince Karim and his first wife, Princess Salimah, will formally assume leadership after his father’s burial, though no date has been announced for the ceremony.

The global Ismaili community, numbering around 15 million, is in mourning while also celebrating the transition. Community members from Lisbon have extended their congratulations and well wishes to the new imam.

A leader with deep roots

Born on Oct. 12, 1971, in Geneva, Prince Rahim was educated at Brown University in the United States, where he studied comparative literature, economics, and international relations. He also attended Harvard University for additional studies.

He has played an active role in the AKDN, serving on the boards of multiple organizations and leading the network’s environmental initiatives. His international connections include regular meetings with global leaders and participation in forums such as the COP28 climate summit.

Much like his father, Prince Rahim has expressed a deep commitment to humanitarian work. In a 2007 interview with The New York Times, he spoke about his concern over poverty and despair in developing nations.

His last known visit to Pakistan was in 2023 alongside his sister, Princess Zahra Aga Khan. During the trip, then-President Asif Ali Zardari awarded him the country’s highest civil honor, the Nishan-e-Pakistan, in recognition of his contributions to welfare projects.

A legacy of philanthropy

Prince Karim Aga Khan was a towering figure in global development and media. Despite never ruling a country, he lived a regal life and wielded considerable influence, particularly in Africa and Asia.

Born in Switzerland, Prince Karim held British, Portuguese, French, and Canadian citizenship. He was widely recognized for his contributions to modern journalism in Kenya, where he founded Nation Media Group in the 1960s. The organization remains one of the largest private media groups in East and Central Africa.

During Uganda’s 1972 expulsion of Asians under dictator Idi Amin, Prince Karim helped resettle hundreds of Ismailis in Canada, contributing to the country’s now-thriving Ismaili population.

Beyond media, the Aga Khan family controls a vast financial empire, with personal wealth estimates exceeding $13 billion. Their holdings span airlines, luxury properties, and media enterprises.

AKDN’s future

Founded by Prince Karim in 1967, the AKDN operates in more than 35 countries, focusing on health, education, and poverty alleviation. Its initiatives include the Aga Khan Foundation, Aga Khan Health Services, and Aga Khan Education Network.

In Pakistan, the AKDN has been instrumental in developing healthcare and education, with institutions such as Aga Khan University and Aga Khan Hospital among the country’s top facilities. The network also has a strong presence in Gilgit-Baltistan, where it has carried out extensive welfare projects.