The death of His Highness Prince Karim Al-Husseini, the Aga Khan, Spiritual Leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, has drawn widespread tributes, including from King Charles, who expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his longtime friend.
Samaa reports that according to a royal source, the King, who had maintained a close personal friendship with the Aga Khan for many years, was “deeply saddened” by his passing.
The Globe and Mail says Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other Canadian officials on Tuesday paid respects to the Aga Khan, remembering the spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims as a man of vision, faith and incredible generosity.
“He was passionate about Canada and what we’ve been able to create here in this country, and how we’re always striving to build better and more, for more and more people,” the Prime Minister said at a Lunar New Year event in Ottawa. “He will be deeply, deeply missed by people around the world, but particularly the Ismaili community that is grieving tonight.”
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the Aga Khan, describing him as a “man of vision, faith, and generosity” and a “remarkable leader.”
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and President of Zanzibar Dr. Hussein Mwinnyi joined world leaders in mourning the death of His Highness Prince Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Founder of Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network.
“…We join you in mourning the loss of a great leader and a visionary, whose work has touched and changed the lives of millions of people around the world,” President Samia Suluhu Hassan wrote.
On behalf of the Government and people of Zanzibar, President Mwinnyi extended sympathies to His Highness’s family, the Ismaili community, and all who were touched by his legacy. “As we mourn this great loss, we also celebrate a leader whose impact will inspire generations,” President Mwinnyi said.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has paid tribute to the spiritual leader. He said he was "deeply saddened" at the news, describing Aga Khan IV as "a symbol of peace, tolerance and compassion in our troubled world."
“I am deeply saddened by the news that His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, has passed away. He was a symbol of peace, tolerance and compassion in our troubled world. I express my deepest condolences to His Highness’s family and the Ismaili community,” UN head wrote on X.
Nobel Peace laureate and education campaigner Malala Yousafzai said the Aga Khan's legacy will “live on through the incredible work he led for education, health and development around the world.”
