THATTA/HYDERABAD: Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims across Sindh will observe the first anniversary of Prince Shah Rahim Al Hussaini Aga Khan’s spiritual leadership on February 4, marking a historic milestone for the community.

The date coincides with the passing of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, the 49th Imam, who died last year at the age of 88. His elder son, Prince Shah Rahim Al Hussaini Aga Khan, succeeded him as the 50th Imam, assuming spiritual leadership of nearly 15 million Ismaili Muslims worldwide.

In Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Tando Muhammad Khan, and Hyderabad, villages and residential areas have been decorated with lights to commemorate the occasion. However, in solidarity with families affected by the recent tragedy in Balochistan, senior community leaders decided to mark the anniversary with simplicity, cancelling several planned events.

Community members described the day as both celebratory and reflective. “Instead of mourning the passing of the previous Imam, we mark the arrival of a new spiritual leader on the same date,” said Maheraj Mumtaz, noting the social and economic progress achieved under Prince Karim Aga Khan’s leadership, particularly in Pakistan’s northern regions.

Prince Karim Aga Khan was widely recognized as a philanthropist, humanitarian, and educationist, founding the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which partnered with governments in more than 40 countries to advance education, healthcare, microfinance, rural development, and cultural preservation. In Pakistan, AKDN projects left a lasting impact on healthcare, education, and economic empowerment.

Since assuming leadership, Prince Shah Rahim Al Hussaini Aga Khan has emphasized development in remote regions, climate change mitigation, and humanitarian assistance in conflict zones. He has also promoted regional peace in South Asia and urged moderation in digital technology use.

During his 2023 visit to Pakistan, he was awarded the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the country’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of his contributions to climate change mitigation and development.