The AKTC was founded in 1988 and is registered in Geneva, Switzerland, as a private, non-denominational, philanthropic foundation. It is an integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a family of institutions created by His Highness the Aga Khan, with distinct yet complementary mandates to improve the welfare and prospects of people in countries in the developing world, particularly in Asia and Africa. AKTC is currently operating in Afghanistan under the name of Aga Khan Cultural Services – Afghanistan (AKCS-A) and is registered with the Ministry of Economy of the country.
Part of the wider development programme of the AKDN in Afghanistan, the AKCS-A has since 2002 been engaged in a range of initiatives in Kabul, Heart, Balkh, Badakhshan, Ghazni, and Logar aimed at the conservation and revitalization of historic neighborhoods, the improvement of living conditions and the development of professional and crafts skills.