Aga Khan IV: Bridging faith, philanthropy, and development
Aga Khan's work spanned education, healthcare, and cultural preservation, with a focus on improving the quality of life for communities worldwide. He founded the Aga Khan Development Network, which operates in over 30 countries and employs nearly 100,000 people. In the UK, he played a key role in cultural and educational initiatives.
A long-time friend of the late Queen Elizabeth, Aga Khan IV was appointed KBE in 2004. (Photo: Reuters)
Vivek Mishra works as an Assistant Editor with Eastern Eye and has over 13 years of experience in journalism. His areas of interest include politics, international affairs, current events, and sports. With a background in newsroom operations and editorial planning, he has reported and edited stories on major national and global developments.
HIS HIGHNESS Prince Karim al-Husseini, known as the Aga Khan, led the Ismaili Muslim community for nearly seven decades while building one of the world’s largest private development networks.
As the 49th hereditary imam of the Ismaili sect of Shia Islam, he combined religious leadership with extensive philanthropic efforts across Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America.
His work spanned education, healthcare, and cultural preservation, with a focus on improving the quality of life for communities worldwide.
He died on Tuesday at the age of 88. The Aga Khan Development Network and the Ismaili religious community announced that he passed away in Portugal, surrounded by his family.
Born in Geneva in 1936, he had British citizenship. He spent much of his early life in Kenya before attending Harvard University, where he studied Islamic history.
In 1957, at the age of 20, he was appointed imam by his grandfather, Sultan Mohammed Shah Aga Khan III. This decision bypassed his father, Prince Aly Khan, and marked a significant shift in leadership, with his grandfather stating that the new imam should be a "young man" for a "new age."
In 1957, at the age of 20, he was appointed imam by his grandfather, Sultan Mohammed Shah Aga Khan III. (Photo: Getty Images)
Considered by his followers to be a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, the Aga Khan was given the title “His Highness” by Queen Elizabeth in July 1957, two weeks after being named heir to the family's 1,300-year dynasty.
A long-time friend of the late Queen Elizabeth, he was appointed KBE in 2004. He marked his Diamond Jubilee in 2017-18 with a global tour highlighting his humanitarian efforts.
In 2018, he was hosted by Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle and, alongside the then Prince of Wales, inaugurated the Aga Khan Centre in King’s Cross.
In the UK, he played a key role in cultural and educational initiatives. The Ismaili Centre in Knightsbridge was opened in 1985 by then-prime minister Margaret Thatcher as a hub for community gatherings and interfaith dialogue.
It remains a landmark for the Ismaili community in London. He also invested in academic institutions, including the development of a university in King’s Cross focused on research and higher education.
Opened in 2018 in London’s Knowledge Quarter, the Aga Khan Centre houses UK-based institutions founded by him, including the Aga Khan Foundation UK, Aga Khan University’s Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations, and the Institute of Ismaili Studies, promoting education, cultural exchange, and global development.
Despite being born into wealth and privilege, the Aga Khan framed his role as both a spiritual leader and a guide for economic and social development.
Queen Elizabeth poses with Aga Khan IV at Windsor Castle on March 8, 2018 before she hosts a private dinner in honour of the diamond jubilee of his leadership as Imam of the Shia Nizari Ismaili Muslim Community. (Photo: Getty Images)
He described Islam as advocating for social responsibility and ethical wealth. He was known for his contributions to philanthropy and for establishing institutions that would continue beyond his lifetime.
Aga Khan IV was widely regarded as a bridge between Muslim societies and the West. He focused on development projects rather than political affairs, with his Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) working in over 30 countries in sectors such as healthcare, housing, education, and rural development.
The organisation has an annual budget of about USD 1 billion for nonprofit activities.
In 1967, he founded AKDN, which operates in over 30 countries and employs nearly 100,000 people. The network focuses on education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and cultural preservation.
Its programmes have supported literacy initiatives, built hospitals, and provided microfinance opportunities, particularly in South and Central Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Among its major projects are schools and universities that have improved access to education, the restoration of historic sites such as the Mostar Bridge in Bosnia and Aleppo’s citadel in Syria, and medical institutions that have contributed to reducing maternal mortality and malnutrition.
He stated that his foundation’s work was non-political and secular, aimed at improving lives regardless of religious affiliation.
Aga Khan IV was also deeply involved in horse racing, continuing a family tradition. (Photo: Reuters)
In Canada, he was recognised for promoting multiculturalism and development and was granted honorary Canadian citizenship for fostering global tolerance and improving social conditions.
His foundation supported various social and educational initiatives across the country. In the United States, his institutions worked on projects related to healthcare, education, and cultural preservation, including exhibitions showcasing Islamic art and history.
In Africa, AKDN played a key role in improving healthcare, rural development, and education. Hospitals and medical training programmes established under his leadership contributed to better healthcare access across multiple nations. His foundation’s projects helped address poverty and improve infrastructure.
He was also deeply involved in horse racing, continuing a family tradition. He built one of the most successful racehorse empires and owned the famous thoroughbred Shergar, which won the 1981 Epsom Derby before being kidnapped two years later in Ireland. Despite the setback, he remained a major figure in the racing industry.
Aga Khan addresses the audience at an award ceremony and dinner during the 35th anniversary International Development convention at the Washington, DC Convention Center on March 18, 1987. (Photo: Reuters)
Throughout his life, the Aga Khan maintained that wealth should have a social purpose.
In an interview, he stated, “There is nothing wrong with being well off as long as money has a social and ethical value.” He positioned his work as an extension of Islamic ethics, aiming to leave behind a better world.
As both a religious figure and a global philanthropist, he was one of the most influential leaders of his time. His successor will be announced in accordance with Ismaili tradition, continuing the work he dedicated his life to.
MORE than 1,000 migrants arrived on small boats across the Channel on Shabana Mahmood’s first full day as home secretary, taking total arrivals this year past 30,000.
The Home Office said 1,097 migrants crossed on Saturday after nine days without any arrivals. It was the second-highest daily total this year, after 1,195 on May 31. Crossings have now reached 30,100 — 37 per cent higher than at this point in 2023 and 8 per cent higher than 2022, the record year.
Mahmood called the figures “utterly unacceptable” and said she would consider all options. She pledged the first deportations to France under the new one-in, one-out deal would begin “imminently”, with returns expected later this month.
Concerns remain that a possible collapse of the French government, with prime minister François Bayrou facing a confidence vote on Monday, could delay returns and a new maritime law allowing French police to intercept boats in the Channel, The Times reported.
The 30,000 mark has been reached earlier this year than any other since records began in 2018. It was reached on September 21 in 2022, October 30 last year, and not at all in 2023.
Mahmood, appointed home secretary after Angela Rayner’s resignation, is expected to outline plans to move asylum seekers from hotels into military sites.
Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said: “Reshuffling ministerial deckchairs does not change the obvious fact Labour has totally lost control of our borders.”
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People try to board a migrant dinghy into the English Channel on August 25, 2025 in Gravelines, France. (Photo: Getty Images)
THE UK government said on Sunday it is examining the use of military sites to house migrants, amid growing criticism over the practice of accommodating asylum seekers in hotels.
"We are looking at the potential use of military and non-military use sites for temporary accommodation for the people who come across on these small boats," defence secretary John Healey told Sky News.
Home secretary Shabana Mahmood said in a statement that migrants using boats to cross the Channel from France was "utterly unacceptable".
According to figures published Sunday by the Home Office, more than 30,000 people have arrived in Britain by boat since the start of the year.
Mahmood also said a new deal with France, which came into effect in early August, would allow Britain to detain those arriving by boat and return them to France.
The arrangement requires Britain to accept an equal number of eligible migrants from France.
Some hotels currently used to house migrants have seen protests, and the government is also facing legal challenges. By law, asylum seekers must be provided with accommodation and access to health care.
Prime minister Keir Starmer has pledged to end the use of hotels within four years. The government has already reduced the number of hotel places by half compared to a year ago.
The previous Conservative government had already prepared two disused military bases to house several hundred asylum seekers, a measure criticised by migrant-aid groups.
(With inputs from agencies)
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London Underground services will not resume before 8am on Friday September 12. (Photo: Getty Images)
First London Underground strike since March 2023 begins
RMT members stage five-day walkout after pay talks collapse
Union demands 32-hour week; TfL offers 3.4 per cent rise
Elizabeth line and Overground to run but face heavy demand
THE FIRST London Underground strike since March 2023 has begun, with a five-day walkout over pay and conditions.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union are staging rolling strikes after nine months of negotiations failed.
The union has demanded a 32-hour week, while Transport for London (TfL) has offered a 3.4 per cent pay rise.
TfL said the offer was “fair” but added that a reduction from the contractual 35-hour week “is neither practical nor affordable,” BBC reported.
The strike runs from midnight on Sunday 7 September until 11.59pm on Thursday 11 September. London Underground services will not resume before 8am on Friday 12 September.
Nick Dent, director of customer operations at London Underground, said it was not too late to call off the strikes before disruption.
The Elizabeth line and London Overground will run as normal but are expected to be much busier. Buses and roads are also likely to see heavier demand.
A separate dispute will shut the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) on Tuesday 9 and Thursday 11 September.
Service plans include: limited Tube operations ending early on Sunday 7 September; little or no service on the Underground from Monday to Thursday; and full resumption by late morning on Friday 12 September. The Elizabeth line will not stop at Liverpool Street, Farringdon and Tottenham Court Road stations at certain times on 8–11 September, Sky News reported.
The last full Tube strike took place in March 2023.
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Rayner, 45, announced she would step down as deputy prime minister, housing minister and deputy leader of the Labour Party. (Photo: Getty Image)
Rayner steps down after admitting underpaying property tax
Resigns as deputy prime minister, housing minister and Labour deputy leader
Becomes eighth minister to leave Starmer’s government, and the most senior so far
Her departure comes as Labour trails Reform UK in opinion polls
DEPUTY prime minister Angela Rayner resigned on Friday after admitting she had underpaid property tax on a new home. Her resignation is a fresh setback for prime minister Keir Starmer, who had initially stood by her.
Rayner, 45, announced she would step down as deputy prime minister, housing minister and deputy leader of the Labour Party. She becomes the eighth minister to leave Starmer’s team, and the most senior departure so far.
"I deeply regret my decision to not seek additional specialist tax advice... I take full responsibility for this error," Rayner wrote in her resignation letter to Starmer.
Starmer said he was very sad her time in government had ended in this way but that she had made the right decision.
Labour under pressure in polls
The resignation comes as Labour trails Reform UK in opinion polls. Starmer has already faced criticism over his party’s image, with accusations of hypocrisy linked to accepting costly gifts such as clothing and concert tickets from donors.
Rayner’s exit is seen as a major blow, as she had played a key role in keeping Labour’s left and centrist factions together and was considered more broadly popular than Starmer himself.
From potential successor to resignation
Rayner had been mentioned as a possible successor to Starmer. On Wednesday, she referred herself to the independent adviser on ministerial standards after acknowledging a mistake in her tax payment.
In an interview, Rayner appeared close to tears as she explained that she had set up a trust for one of her sons, who has lifelong disabilities caused by an injury. She sold her share of her family home in northern England to the trust, using the money to buy an apartment in Hove. She believed she did not need to pay the higher tax rate for a second home.
Rayner’s departure adds to a series of losses for Starmer’s government. Eight ministers have now resigned, five over wrongdoing. This is the highest number of ministerial resignations outside cabinet reshuffles for any prime minister at the start of their tenure since at least 1979.
Even Boris Johnson, who later faced widespread criticism over lockdown-breaking parties, saw fewer resignations at the same stage.
Challenges ahead for Starmer
The resignation leaves Starmer weakened as he faces the end of the year, when his government must prepare a budget that is expected to include further tax rises. At the same time, Nigel Farage’s Reform is mounting a growing challenge.
Starmer had hoped to signal a new phase of leadership with a reshuffle on Monday after returning from his summer break. But that effort was overtaken by the allegations against Rayner and by Farage’s claim that the prime minister was stifling free speech.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Shafik served as deputy governor for markets and banking at the Bank of England between August 2014 and February 2017.
Minouche Shafik named chief economic adviser to Keir Starmer.
Darren Jones moves into Downing Street role; James Murray replaces him.
Nin Pandit to lead a reformed Downing Street Delivery Team.
Vidhya Alakeson given expanded responsibilities over policy and delivery.
PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer has named Minouche Shafik, a former deputy governor of the Bank of England, as his chief economic adviser. The appointment comes as he looks to strengthen his team ahead of what is expected to be a difficult end to the year.
Shafik’s arrival, along with the decision to bring Darren Jones, deputy to chancellor Rachel Reeves, into his Downing Street office, signals Starmer’s focus on economic advice before a budget later this year that is likely to include further tax rises.
Jones will be succeeded by Labour lawmaker James Murray, who previously held a junior post in the finance ministry, Starmer’s office said in a statement.
Wider changes in Downing Street
Starmer has also reshuffled his Downing Street operations, replacing his principal private secretary and naming a new director of communications. Nin Pandit will remain in the No10 team, taking charge of a newly reformed Downing Street Delivery Team.
After more than a year in power, Starmer’s government has faced criticism from within Labour for struggling to explain difficult policy decisions and highlight its achievements. Labour’s poll ratings have dropped in recent months.
The changes could strengthen the economic advice available to Starmer before Reeves presents a budget with limited scope, as she remains committed to her fiscal rules aimed at balancing day-to-day spending with tax revenues by 2029.
"I think the creation of a role for Darren Jones is a good move," one Labour lawmaker said.
"He’s clearly got an eye for the details but understands the politics too."
Shafik to bring ‘additional expertise’
Shafik served as deputy governor for markets and banking at the Bank of England between August 2014 and February 2017, leaving early to become vice chancellor of the London School of Economics.
In 2023, she was appointed president of Columbia University in New York but resigned after little more than a year following criticism over the university’s handling of student protests related to Israel’s war in Gaza.
Earlier in her career, Shafik was the top civil servant in Britain’s foreign aid ministry and later deputy managing director at the International Monetary Fund. At the IMF, she oversaw work in Europe and the Middle East during the euro zone debt crisis and the Arab Spring.
"This role and the additional expertise will support the government to go further and faster in driving economic growth and raising living standards for all," Starmer’s office said.
Shafik’s background
Shafik, who is also a non-partisan member of the House of Lords, was born in Egypt and grew up in the southern United States before earning a doctorate in economics at the University of Oxford.
In a 2021 book, she argued for policies that included income floors with work incentives, pensions linked to life expectancy, and early childhood interventions to equalise opportunity.
The Prime Minister’s deputy chief of staff, Vidhya Alakeson, will also take on expanded responsibilities with overall oversight of policy and delivery within Downing Street.
(With inputs from agencies)
Alternative Headlines:
Starmer strengthens Downing Street team with Shafik, Alakeson and Pandit moves
Minouche Shafik appointed chief economic adviser as Starmer reshuffles team
Nin Pandit to head delivery unit as Starmer expands Downing Street operation
Vidhya Alakeson takes wider role in No10 as Shafik joins as economic adviser