Dr Mehreen Chida-Razvi, a Research Associate at the University of London gave an illustrated talk on ‘Architectural Jewels of Pakistan – from Sindh to the Hunza Valley’ at the Pakistan High Commission London. ... This superbly illustrated talk by Dr Mehreen Chida-Razvi was both a celebration and a serious discussion of the extraordinary richness and diversity of the architecture of Pakistan.

Ranging across time from the beginning of the second millennium to the nineteenth century, and spanning the geographic breadth of Pakistan, she explained in details about Pakistan’s greatest architectural gems, focusing specifically on funerary and palatial spaces.

Dr Chida-Razvi presented her talk as a series of case studies, describing the architecture and, almost more importantly, explaining the context in which it came into being.

While Pakistan’s predominantly Muslim heritage takes centre stage, she also included buildings and sites created by, and for, other religious groups and peoples, including the Sikhs and Huns. ... Among many architectural jewels of Pakistan, Dr Chida-Razvi gave a detailed presentation on the architectural and historical aspects of Lahore Fort, Altit and Baltit Forts in Hunza, Sheesh Mahal, and Tomb of Shah Rukn-e- Alam in Multan.