Prince Karim: The End of an Era and Growing Concerns

By Amir Jan Haqani: The passing of Prince Karim Aga Khan, the 49th Imam of the Ismaili Shia Muslim community, has left followers worldwide in deep sorrow. Particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan, where a significant number of his followers reside, the atmosphere is one of mourning. In response, the Government of Pakistan declared February 8 as a day of national mourning, while the Gilgit-Baltistan administration announced three days of mourning and a public holiday on February 6, symbolizing solidarity with the Ismaili community.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, one of the most encouraging aspects of the mourning period has been the united expression of grief from leaders of all religious and political affiliations. Religious, social, and intellectual circles have recognized the invaluable services of Prince Karim Aga Khan, and the message of sympathy has resonated across sects. This unity serves as a powerful symbol of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in a region historically marked by sectarian divides.

However, in the wake of his passing, two significant concerns have emerged in my mind, which I express here to lay the foundation for a better future.

The first concern is about the future of religious tolerance and social harmony, both globally and especially in Gilgit-Baltistan. Despite his immense religious, social, and global stature, Prince Karim Aga Khan was always a champion of peace, tolerance, and interfaith harmony. He particularly urged his followers in Gilgit-Baltistan to live in respect and harmony with members of other religious communities. He also ensured that his community remained uninvolved in religious conflicts.

There are many instances where Prince Karim Aga Khan intervened to prevent tensions and guided his followers towards peace. For example, in Hunza, a district predominantly inhabited by Ismailis, tensions between different religious groups were rising, and Prince Karim Aga Khan directed his community to foster tolerance towards the Shia sect. Under his leadership, the Ismaili community became a symbol of peaceful, progressive, and civilized coexistence.

But the question arises: will this legacy continue after his passing? Will his successor, Prince Rahim, be able to maintain the same level of wisdom, diplomacy, and social harmony, or will the delicate balance he established begin to erode? These are questions that have been weighing on my mind in the last few days. Prince Karim entrusted his followers with the power of knowledge and education, encouraging them to take up books and pens. If, God forbid, the Ismaili youth were to abandon these instruments of peace and instead embrace violence and weapons, it would become one of the greatest tragedies of this century.

This concern is especially relevant given the region’s history of sectarian conflicts, which is already a complex and sensitive issue. The wise leadership of Prince Karim Aga Khan helped maintain balance in the region. If this approach were to change after his passing, the consequences could be felt not just in Gilgit-Baltistan but across other regions as well, which would not bode well for humanity.

The second concern pertains to the continuation of Prince Karim Aga Khan’s philanthropic projects, his generosity, and his contributions to the fields of education and healthcare. We all know that Prince Karim Aga Khan was not only the spiritual leader of the Ismailis but also a global visionary, a philanthropic leader, and a successful administrator. His initiatives, particularly in developing countries, focused on education, health, infrastructure, and social development. Thanks to his leadership, millions of people, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan, have benefitted from these projects.

Institutions like the Aga Khan Universities, hospitals, schools, and other charitable organizations in Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, East Africa, and Central Asia have provided millions of people with the light of knowledge and healthcare. These initiatives have benefited not only the Ismaili community but people from all walks of life.

The question now arises: will these philanthropic efforts continue with the same spirit, expertise, and generosity after his passing? Will his successor, Prince Rahim, carry forward these projects with the same sense of responsibility and vision, or will they gradually lose their impact? This concern is particularly significant because many major philanthropic movements and institutions often lose their essence after the departure of their founding leaders. If that happens, it would not only affect the Ismaili community but also millions of others who benefit from these organizations.

Nonetheless, both hope and caution are necessary. Prince Karim Aga Khan’s passing is undoubtedly a great loss, but history shows that communities with strong leadership and traditions tend to maintain continuity. The greatest challenge for the leadership that follows will be to preserve the path of religious tolerance, social development, and administrative excellence that Prince Karim Aga Khan had so masterfully charted.

We hope that this continuity will be maintained, but only time will tell how strong these concerns are. I believe that Prince Karim Aga Khan’s passing marks the end of a glorious era—an era defined by philanthropy, knowledge, tolerance, and service to humanity. Today, the Ismaili community is in deep mourning, but history tells us that the departure of great personalities does not end their mission; instead, it often ignites it further.

We extend our heartfelt condolences and pray that Allah grants him eternal peace and gives his followers the strength to endure this loss.