President Asif Ali Zardari called on Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, the 50th spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, in Portugal’s capital to offer his condolences over the passing of Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV.

“The entire nation mourns the loss of such a remarkable individual,” he said in a statement. The president arrived in Portugal’s capital Lisbon on Monday to offer condolences to Prince Rahim.

The president expressed “heartfelt condolences” on the passing of the late Aga Khan, emphasising the nation’s “deep sympathy for the loss of a great humanitarian.”

In a statement, the president noted that the news of the Aga Khan’s passing has “deeply saddened the nation.” He highlighted the late philanthropist’s contributions to Pakistan’s social and economic development, praising his “visionary leadership” that improved the lives of people in Pakistan and other regions of the world.

The president informed that he was on an official visit to China when he learned of the Aga Khan’s passing. He said that he visited Lisbon to pay tribute to the late Prince Karim Aga Khan’s “lifelong dedication to philanthropy and humanitarian work, adding that his services to humanity would always be remembered.”

The president expressed the hope that Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini would continue his father’s mission to serve the cause of humanity.

The Aga Khan IV was laid to rest at a private burial ceremony in Aswan, Egypt on Sunday, the community said.

The Aswan governor facilitated and participated in a procession through the city to the banks of the River Nile. The late imam’s casket was transferred by boat in a ceremonial crossing to the mausoleum of Shia Ismaili’s 48th spiritual leader Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah. “The janaza (casket) was carried by hand to the hilltop mausoleum, where Shah Karim’s body was interred.”

After the ceremony, leaders present had the opportunity to express condolences to the family, and the Aswan governor presented the 50th spiritual leader of Ismailis with a “symbolic key to the City of Aswan as a mark of respect.”

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In pictures: Funeral ceremony of Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV

In pictures: Aga Khan IV, late leader of Ismailis, laid to rest in Egypt’s Aswan

The Aga Khan IV passed away on February 4, surrounded by family in Lisbon, Portugal. He was 88.

Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V was named the 50th spiritual leader of the Ismaili community “following the unsealing of the Will of his late father, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV.”

On Saturday, the funeral ceremony for the late Ismaili imam was held at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon.