Nation Media Group Owner is DEAD

The Aga Khan Development Network has announced the passing of billionaire philanthropist and spiritual leader Aga Khan at the age of 88.

Prince Karim Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary imam of the Ismaili Muslims, who trace their lineage directly to the Prophet Muhammad, passed away peacefully in Lisbon, Portugal, surrounded by his family, according to a statement from his charity.

Born in Switzerland, he held British citizenship and resided in a chateau in France.

A Life of Philanthropy and Influence

The Aga Khan’s charitable network established and managed hundreds of hospitals, educational institutions, and cultural initiatives, primarily in the developing world.

Beyond his philanthropic efforts, he led a luxurious lifestyle, owning a private island in the Bahamas, a superyacht, and a private jet.

The Aga Khan Development Network extended its condolences to his family and the global Ismaili community, reaffirming its commitment to continue his mission of improving lives regardless of religious or cultural backgrounds.

The Ismaili Muslim community, which numbers around 15 million worldwide, has significant populations in Pakistan (500,000), India, Afghanistan, and Africa.

Leadership and Wealth

Prince Karim Aga Khan became the Ismaili spiritual leader in 1957 at the age of 20, succeeding his grandfather.

In 2008, Forbes estimated his fortune at $1 billion (£801 million), amassed through inheritance and business ventures, including horse breeding. He was a prominent figure in the racing world, with operations in the UK, France, and Ireland.

Among his most famous horses was Shergar, the legendary racehorse who won the 1981 Epsom Derby in dominant fashion. However, Shergar was kidnapped in Ireland in 1983 and never recovered.

Reflecting on Shergar’s victory in a 2011 BBC interview, the Aga Khan described it as an unforgettable memory, stating:
“I’ve watched that race countless times, trying to understand what made his performance so extraordinary. The ease with which he moved and his acceleration in the final stretch were truly remarkable.”

He went on to win the Derby four more times with Shahrastani (1986), Kahyasi (1988), Sinndar (2000), and Harzand (2016). His notable successes also included the 2008 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with the undefeated filly Zarkava.

Legacy in Education, Media, and Culture

The Aga Khan was instrumental in establishing several institutions, including:

• The Aga Khan Foundation, a global charity.
• The Aga Khan University in Karachi.
• The Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at Harvard University and MIT.
• The Aga Khan Trust for Culture, which played a key role in restoring Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi.
• The Aga Khan Award for Architecture, presented annually.
• The Nation Media Group, now the largest independent media organization in East and Central Africa.

Tributes from Global Leaders

His passing has been met with tributes from world leaders and activists:

• Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed him as a “man of vision, faith, and generosity,” highlighting his contributions to poverty alleviation, healthcare, and gender equality.
• Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai praised his enduring impact on education, health, and global development.
• UN Secretary-General António Guterres described him as a “symbol of peace, tolerance, and compassion in our troubled world.”

The Aga Khan leaves behind a remarkable legacy of philanthropy, cultural preservation, and spiritual leadership.