From Sacred Sojourn to Sustainable Futures: The Enduring Legacy of Aga Khan IV in Northern Pakistan

On July 11, 1957, Shah Karim al-Husaini, Aga Khan IV, succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III, as the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. His historic visit to Northern Pakistan (Gilgit, Hunza and Koh Ghizer) in October 1960 was far more than a ceremonial event; it was a pivotal moment that ignited a spiritual awakening and laid the groundwork for profound, multi-generational development.

His Highness the Aga Khan IV during his historic ‘Didar Mubarak’ visit to the Northern Areas (Gilgit-Baltistan), Pakistan — October 1960.

As the first Imam in fourteen centuries to set foot in the valleys of Gilgit, Hunza, and Ghizer, his firsthand observation of what he later termed “horrible poverty” became the catalyst for a comprehensive and long-term vision for the region’s transformation (Aga Khan Development Network [AKDN], 2025a). The world recently mourned the passing of this visionary leader, who left this temporal world on February 4, 2025, in Lisbon, Portugal, marking the end of a 68-year Imamat that reshaped the lives of millions (AKDN, 2025b).

Education: The Foundational Pillar of Development

Consequently, a core belief of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV—that education is the key to progress and self-reliance—was activated. Driven by this vision, the Aga Khan Education Service, Pakistan (AKES,P) ignited an educational revolution across the northern areas.

The state-of-the-art campus of Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Gahkuch (est. 2003) in Ghizer, northern Pakistan — fostering academic excellence, critical thinking, and empowerment for the younger generation in a remote region.

A network of schools, higher secondary institutions, and teacher-training systems significantly elevated educational standards. Furthermore, localized curriculum development, a special emphasis on girls’ education, and continuous professional development for teaching staff transformed education from a distant dream into a tangible reality. Remote areas like Hunza and Ghizer saw remarkable increases in literacy rates, making knowledge a powerful symbol of public awakening and agency.

Public Health : The Cornerstone of Welfare Services

In tandem with educational initiatives, the healthcare sector became another vital component of the Imam’s vision. The Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan (AKHS,P) established an organized and sustainable health system in Northern Pakistan. The creation of modern hospitals in Gilgit, maternal and child health centers, and primary care units provided the local population with improved medical facilities. Complementing these were public health campaigns and Water and Sanitation Extension Programs (WASEP), which helped curb the spread of diseases. A defining characteristic of these services is their foundation in the principle of serving humanity, transcending religion, ethnicity, or language.

The Aga Khan Foundation: A Vanguard for Holistic Development

As a key pillar of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) has directly impacted every facet of development in Northern Pakistan. The AKF vision is not confined to isolated projects but focuses on empowering communities and fostering sustainable change.

Key initiatives include:

Women’s Empowerment: Promoting women’s economic self-sufficiency through skill development, enterprise loans, and the formation of women’s organizations.

Natural Resource Management: Ensuring environmental protection through forest conservation, sustainable agriculture, and improved pasture management.

Infrastructure Development: Enhancing regional infrastructure through small hydropower projects, paved roads, and bridges.

Disaster Risk Management: In partnership with the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH), communities are being prepared to cope with floods, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), and earthquakes, alongside ongoing work on safe housing projects.

The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme: The Genesis of a Developmental Model

The most successful and renowned application of this philosophy is the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), established in 1982. This program served as the operational genesis of AKF’s rural development model, fundamentally altering the economic history of Northern Pakistan. The AKRSP introduced community-driven development models that brought historic changes to agriculture, irrigation, energy, and communication. Support for small enterprises and microfinance programs strengthened the local economy. The program’s success has been so profound that numerous countries in Asia and Africa have since adopted its model for their own rural development initiatives (AKDN, 2017)

The Digital Leap: Connecting Communities to the World

Building on this physical infrastructure, a new frontier of development has emerged in the digital realm. Recognizing that 21st-century progress is inseparable from connectivity, AKDN agencies have pioneered initiatives to bridge the digital divide. These include establishing community ICT resource centers, providing digital literacy training, and supporting IT-enabled services. By equipping youth with digital skills, these programs open doors to global knowledge, remote employment, and e-commerce, ensuring that Northern Pakistan’s communities are not just participants but active competitors in the global digital economy.

Culture and Heritage: The Revival of Identity

Simultaneously, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) has played a key role in promoting identity and pride. The restoration of historic forts and buildings in Hunza, Shigar, Khaplu, and Skardu has preserved priceless cultural heritage while creating a foundation for tourism and sustainable employment opportunities—intertwining economic growth with cultural preservation.

Tourism and Hospitality: A New Chapter in Sustainable Development

The expansion of the Serena Hotels chain in Gilgit-Baltistan exemplifies this synergy between culture and commerce. By establishing hotels with modern amenities that respect local architecture and culture, Serena has attracted both domestic and international tourists. By providing employment opportunities for local youth, the chain has opened new doors for skills development and professional training. Operating on principles of sustainable tourism, these projects have improved quality of life and strengthened business confidence in the region (Serena Hotels, 2024).

A Legacy of Ethical Foundation and Civil Society

Underpinning all these efforts is a robust ethical framework focused on strengthening civil society. The Imam’s leadership emphasized Islamic ethics—compassion, service, and pluralism. This philosophy translated into a development model that prioritizes human dignity and ethical governance. By fostering a vibrant civil society through community-based organizations, local governance structures, and voluntary service, these initiatives have cultivated resilient, self-reliant communities capable of steering their own development. The legacy endures not merely in infrastructure, but in the moral and social fabric of the region.

The First Visit to Chitral: The Dawn of a New Era

Another milestone occurred on March 6, 1976, when the Imam visited Chitral for the first time. Thousands of people cleared snow to prepare the venue. One eyewitness described the moment as profoundly spiritual, cementing the visit’s significance in the community’s collective memory. This visit paved the way for unparalleled development in Chitral across education, health, and the economy, spearheaded by AKDN institutions such as AKF and AKRSP.

A Succession of Service: The Inauguration of a New Imamat

Following serene and dignified final ceremonies held in Aswan, Egypt—a location of deep spiritual significance for the Ismaili community—the Ismaili Constitution guided a seamless succession (The Ismaili, 2025). Prince Shah Rahim al-Husaini, Aga Khan V, thus succeeded his father as the 50th Hereditary Imam. In his first address to the global Jamat, he made a solemn commitment to continue and build upon his predecessor’s enduring legacy, pledging to uphold the values of compassion, pluralism, and a steadfast dedication to improving the quality of life for all (Aga Khan V, 2025).

Conclusion: A Narrative of Sustainable Transformation

The narrative of Northern Pakistan is not merely one of development, but a story of faith, determination, and human dignity. The transformation initiated under Aga Khan IV’s leadership—spanning physical, digital, and civic realms—continues to evolve. Through the enduring work of the Aga Khan Development Network and the guiding hand of the new Imam, this journey toward progress and prosperity advances toward new horizons. His legacy teaches that genuine, sustainable development is that which empowers people, transforms knowledge into enlightenment, and fosters societies rooted in peace, ethics, and service.

References

Aga Khan Development Network. (2017). Aga Khan Agency for Habitat and USAID sign agreement to create resilient communities in Shimshal Valley. https://www.akdn.org/press-release/aga-khan-agency-habitat-and-usaid-sign-agreement-create-resilient-communities

Aga Khan Development Network. (2025a). His Highness the Aga Khan’s development work in Pakistan. https://the.akdn/en/about-us/highness-aga-khan-iv

Aga Khan Development Network. (2025b, February 4). Announcement of the passing of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. https://www.akdn/en/news/announcement-passing-his-highness-prince-karim-aga-khan-iv

Aga Khan V. (2025, February). First Firman to the global Jamat [Text of address]. The Ismaili.

Serena Hotels. (2024). Serena Hotels: Expanding sustainable tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan. https://www.serenahotels.com

The Ismaili. (2025, February). A tradition of continuity: The succession of the Ismaili Imamat. https://the.ismaili