The Institute of Architects, Pakistan (IAP) was established in 1957 by a small group of architects who were trained internationally and had experience in both government service and private practice. The founding members include:

• Minoo P. Mistri (Karachi)
• Zahir-ud-deen Khawaja (Lahore)
• Mazharul Islam (Dhaka)
• A. M. Peermohamed (Karachi)
• M.A. Ahed (Karachi)
• Tajuddin M. Bhamani (Karachi)
• R. S. Rustomji (Karachi)

The objectives of IAP are as follows:

• To organize the architecture profession in Pakistan and safeguard the interests of both architects and the public related to the building profession.
• To promote architecture in Pakistan and assist in establishing schools of architecture throughout the country.
• To enforce a code of ethics and discipline among practicing architects, encouraging the passing of a statutory Registration Act for architects in Pakistan.
• To establish contacts with other national and international architectural organizations.
• To conduct research and organize seminars, conferences, and exhibitions that promote the architectural profession.

Over the years, IAP has been instrumental in establishing the first school of architecture in Karachi in 1954, which was later upgraded to a five-year degree program. IAP members have also played a crucial role in founding and managing many other architecture schools across the country. The majority of the full-time faculty members are affiliated with IAP, and many senior members serve as visiting professors, thesis advisors, and jurors.

IAP has conducted several architectural design competitions at local, national, and international levels for government and corporate clients. Currently, there are over 2700 fellow and associate members registered with IAP, along with over 3400 student members.

International Affiliations

IAP is associated with several international organizations, including:

• International Union of Architects (UIA)
• Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA)
• Architects Regional Council Asia (ARCASIA)
• Eastern Regional Organization for Planning & Human Settlement (EAROPH)
• SAARC Association of Architects (SAARCH)

Members of IAP have served on the council of UIA at different times and have been actively involved with ARCASIA since its inception, holding various offices, including the Chairmanship. IAP is a founding member of ARCASIA, which consists of 22 countries and focuses on improving architectural education, especially in light of the significant increase in schools in the past decade.

IAP Chapters

IAP currently has six chapters covering the entire country:

• Karachi Chapter: Covers the province of Sindh
• Lahore Chapter: Covers the province of Punjab
• Rawalpindi-Islamabad Chapter: Covers the Islamabad Federal Area and the Northern Areas
• Peshawar Chapter: Covers Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK)
• Quetta Chapter: Covers Balochistan
• Chenab Chapter: Covers the Gujrat region

These chapters are actively involved in organizing various events, including conferences, symposia, workshops, lectures, design competitions for professionals and students, and architectural exhibitions. They also engage with government authorities on issues related to the environment, architectural education, built heritage, civic amenities, building byelaws, and city planning.

IAP nominees serve on numerous committees within local, provincial, and federal government bodies, assisting at different levels, including the revision of building byelaws in various towns and cities. Additionally, IAP organizes design competitions for both government and corporate clients.

Professional Organization: Regulates architecture as a profession, upholds ethical standards, and enforces the Architects Registration Act.

Education & Advocacy: Establishes architecture schools (e.g., Pakistan’s first school in Karachi in 1954) and promotes sustainable design practices.

International Collaboration: Affiliates with global organizations such as UIA, ARCASIA, CAA, and EAROPH.

Growth and Governance:

IAP’s governance framework is outlined in its Articles of Association and the Charter for its chapters:

National Council: Comprises elected members and chapter chairpersons, overseeing policy, finances, and compliance (Articles 36–39).

Chapters: The six regional chapters (Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad-Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Quetta, Chenab) operate under decentralized authority, implementing national policies locally (Charter, Articles 4–8).