Ghafer Shahzad

Who is Ghafer Shahzad?

Abdul Ghafoor, also known as Ghafer Shahzad, is a Pakistani architect. In January 2011 UET Lahore issued its first PhD in Architecture to him. He completed his Bachelor of Architecture degree with a thesis entitled "Post Independence Architecture in Lahore". He gained his Master of Architecture degree in 1999 with a dissertation entitled "Symbolic status and Metamorphosis of Minaret in Mosque Complex". He completed his PhD dissertation, with the title "To investigate the Forces Acting as Religious Magnet: The Shrine in Urban Settlements and their impact on Immediate Surrounding", under the supervision of Mahmood Hussain.

Shahzad has penned fifteen books on different architectural themes including structural and architectural aspects of shrines, mosques and minarets. He is Deputy Director Architecture in the Punjab Auqaf Department and also member of Adjunct Faculty at Beaconhouse National University. He has designed historical monuments including mosques and shrines throughout the Punjab and contributed to the conservation and renovation of historical monuments.

His has published articles and research papers in Urdu and English in national and international journals on the subject of Islamic Architecture in Pakistan. He has presented many papers at seminars and conferences organised by Anjumn-e-Mimaran, Institute of Architects Pakistan, Research Center of National College of Arts etc.