4 Buildings in Pakistan designed by foreign architects.

Pakistan is a country that is rich in culture and architecture. Due to the nation housing many cultures and civilizations throughout the centuries, there is great depth to it’s diverse range of architectural marvels.

However, many iconic buildings within Pakistan have been designed by non-Pakistani architects. From projects made in the style of classical Mughal architecture to modernist buildings, let’s take a look at these iconic buildings and the architects who made them!

1. Faisal Mosque - Vedat Dalokay

The Faisal Mosque in Islamabad is a symbol of the country's cultural heritage and its celebrated modernist design, inspired by a traditional Arab Bedouin tent, was created by renowned Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay in 1986. The mosque was named after King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, who generously provided financial assistance for its construction.

What makes the Faisal Mosque truly remarkable is its prayer hall, which is capable of accommodating up to 10,000 worshippers at once. Additionally, the mosque's minarets are some of the tallest in the world, standing at a towering height of 259ft (79m). These features make the mosque a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Islamic architecture.

I tried to capture the spirit, proportion, and geometry of Kaaba in a purely abstract manner. Imagine the apex of each of the four minarets as a scaled explosion of four highest corners of Kaaba – thus an unseen Kaaba form is bounded by the minarets at the four corners in a proportion of height to base - Vedat Dalokay

Dalokay's ground-breaking design was chosen for its unique and unconventional approach to Islamic architecture. Rather than the traditional arches and domes, the Faisal Mosque showcases a sleek and minimalist aesthetic that is a true testament to Dalokay's forward-thinking vision.

Additionally, the Faisal Mosque is an enormous structure that covers a total area of 130,000 m2 (1.4 million sq ft), which further emphasizes the scale and grandeur of this architectural masterpiece. The total cost of construction for the mosque was a staggering 120 million USD, which is equivalent to approximately 334.7 million USD in 2023.

This significant investment underscores the importance of the Faisal Mosque to the people of Pakistan, and its continued role as a source of national pride and cultural heritage.

2. Quaid-e-Azam Residency - Moses Somake

By Hamzaniazii - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,

The Quaid-e-Azam House, also known as Flagstaff House, is a museum dedicated to Pakistan's founding father, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Originally built in 1892 during British rule, the house spans across 8000 sq ft (743 m2) and served as a residence for Jinnah and his sister, Fatima Jinnah, until 1964, eventually being converted into a museum in 1984.

The architect behind the building was Moses Somake (b. 1875), a British architect who designed numerous prominent buildings in British India. Some of Somake's notable projects within the current borders of Pakistan are Edward House, BVS Parsi High School, and Khaliq Dina Hall.

Somake was born in Lahore to a Jewish family with Spanish and Iraqi backgrounds. He spent much of his life in Karachi before migrating to the United Kingdom, which influenced his architectural style and led him to design many projects in the subcontinent. His numerous projects earned him the title of "the man who built Karachi."

Following a series of damaging events that affected the structure, the government began renovations and reinforced it with concrete to prevent damage from earthquakes. The reconstruction was carried out by renowned Pakistani architect Nayyar Ali Dada.

3. Lahore Museum - Sir Ganga Ram

The Lahore Museum, established in 1865 during the British Raj, is located in the heart of Lahore city and houses cultural and historical artifacts. Its architecture is a fusion of Mughal and Gothic styles designed by Sir Ganga Ram, which gives it a unique identity of its own. The building is made up of red brick and has white marble accents.

Sir Ganga Ram, a well-known architect and civil engineer, was born in Mangtanwala, Punjab in 1851. He studied engineering in England after receiving his early education in Lahore and during his time in England, he worked as an apprentice under prominent architects and engineers. He returned to India in 1885 and started his career as a civil engineer in the government service.

The Lahore Museum has a central dome that is inspired by the Mughal style of architecture. and the dome is surrounded by smaller domes that are inspired by the Gothic style. The building has a symmetrical layout with two wings on either side of the central dome. The wings contain galleries that house the museum's collections.

The Lahore Museum is considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in Lahore and is a testament to the architectural genius of Sir Ganga Ram.

4. Supreme Court Building - Kenzo Tange

Kenzo Tange was a world-renowned Japanese architect and was known for his innovative designs that combined modernist, traditional, and local elements. One of his most significant projects was the design of the Pakistan Supreme Court building in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Tange's design for the building drew inspiration from the country's rich cultural heritage, particularly the ancient city of Mohenjo-Daro. It's distinctive shape, which resembles a stepped pyramid, pays homage to the ancient city's architectural style while also incorporating modernist elements.

The building's exterior features a white marble façade that reflects the sun's rays during the day, giving it a dazzling appearance.

The interior of the building is just as impressive, with a central atrium that allows natural light to flood the space. The atrium is surrounded by offices and courtrooms, creating an open and inviting atmosphere and the front elevation is perfectly symmetrical to emphasize the purpose of the building, achieving justice.

Tange's design for the Pakistan Supreme Court building had a significant impact on Pakistani architecture. The building's unique shape and design challenged traditional notions of what a courthouse should look like and set a new standard for public buildings in the country.

The building's use of white marble also had an impact on Pakistani architecture, influencing the use of the material in other public and private buildings throughout the country. The Supreme Court’s innovative design and use of materials have made it a landmark in Islamabad and a symbol of the country's progress and modernity.

Exploring the architectural landscape of Pakistan reveals a cool mix of buildings designed by international architects. These creative minds have sprinkled their magic across the skyline, fusing global vibes with local flair. From modern stunners to culturally infused gems, these structures aren't just bricks and mortar; they're like postcards from around the world, dotting the Pakistani horizon. As we soak in these designs, it's a reminder that creativity knows no borders, and these buildings are like a global high-five to the ever-evolving spirit of Pakistan.