Legacy and Continuity: The Environmental Vision of Aga Khan IV and V

By Sharif Khan

Introduction

Our planet is in crisis—glaciers are melting, rural villages in Gilgit-Baltistan are being washed away, and major cities in Pakistan are suffocating under pollution and extreme floods. In these times, the voices of visionary leaders matter more than ever. Among them, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV and his successor Prince Rahim Aga Khan (Aga Khan V) stand out. Their environmental vision (Aga Khan Environmental Vision) is not only about climate but also about dignity, justice, and survival.

Aga Khan IV’s Environmental Vision

Though he has passed away, the wisdom of Aga Khan IV continues to inspire. Decades ago, he warned about the threats of climate change in the Muslim world:

“We’re beginning to see in many parts of the Muslim world … how global warming is beginning to create situations where life is at risk, where it was not at risk before.”

This statement reflects his foresight in connecting global warming to human vulnerability. Under his leadership, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) launched solar energy projects, eco-friendly infrastructure, and pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. These initiatives are lasting proof of his environmental commitment.

Aga Khan V: Expanding the Legacy

Today, Prince Rahim Aga Khan (Aga Khan V) has taken this mission forward. Speaking at the World Government Summit in Dubai, he emphasized that:

“Protecting the planet is not a temporary agenda but a moral duty for the dignity of future generations.”

He advocates sustainable development not as a technical issue but as an ethical responsibility. Under his guidance, AKDN integrates climate adaptation strategies into digital transformation, urban planning, and rural development, ensuring that sustainability is embedded across sectors.


Climate Change in Pakistan and Gilgit-Baltistan

Pakistan is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change:

The 2022 floods in Pakistan submerged one-third of the country, described by the UN as a “climate catastrophe.”

In Gilgit-Baltistan, more than 3,000 glaciers are melting rapidly. Scientists warn of GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Floods), where 300+ lakes are at risk of bursting, threatening thousands of lives.

The Karakoram and Himalayan glaciers are retreating, directly impacting agriculture and water resources.

Major cities like Lahore and Karachi face severe smog, urban heatwaves, and water scarcity.

These realities confirm the foresight of Aga Khan IV and V, who framed climate change not only as an ecological crisis but as a human, social, and spiritual challenge.


Conclusion

The environmental wisdom of Aga Khan IV planted the seeds of awareness, and Aga Khan V is turning them into a global movement. For Pakistan, and especially Gilgit-Baltistan, the message is clear: the future depends on sustainable development, climate adaptation, and environmental justice. Protecting the Earth means protecting human dignity, health, and equity—a timeless legacy being carried forward into the next generation.


References

Aga Khan IV. (2016, November 5). Speech at Dubai Seminar. Gulf News.

AKDN News. (2023, February 13). Speech by Prince Rahim Aga Khan at the World Government Summit, Dubai.

Wikipedia. (2025). Aga Khan V. Retrieved from AKDN leadership details.

UNDP Pakistan. (2023). Climate Change and GLOF in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Dawn News. (2022). Pakistan Floods: A Climate Catastrophe.

Comments

  1. Sheryar khanAugust 24, 2025 at 3:39 PM

    Indeed!!! Climate change is the biggest threat to the humanity and other organisms, but it can be solved through nature based solutions.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hisamullah Beg SI(M)August 24, 2025 at 8:35 PM

    Well explained,
    Thank you for showcasing this important narrative. It’s a masterful blend of climate science, ethics, and real-world challenges—all delivered through the inspiring lens of visionary leadership..

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousAugust 24, 2025 at 10:16 PM

    A powerful article. The continuity from Aga Khan IV to Aga Khan V shows us that environmental responsibility must be intergenerational. I hope policymakers in Pakistan draw lessons from this vision and prioritize sustainability for the sake of future generations.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diverse DreamsAugust 24, 2025 at 10:25 PM

      Greatful and thanks for such an encouraging comments 🙏

      Delete
  4. Diverse DreamsAugust 24, 2025 at 10:27 PM

    Thanks for your encouraging comments and Very useful suggestion🙏

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousAugust 25, 2025 at 1:22 AM

    well joted sir , appreciated

    ReplyDelete

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