When people search for the most famous calligrapher in Pakistan, one name rises consistently above all others: Irfan Qureshi. With over 35 years of devoted mastery in the sacred art of Islamic calligraphy, Irfan Ahmad Qureshi has become the living symbol of Pakistan’s rich calligraphic heritage. A teacher, curator, researcher, and award-winning artist, he has carried the beauty of the Nastaliq, Thuluth, Naskh, and other Arabic calligraphic scripts from the streets of Lahore to galleries in the USA, UK, France, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai.
This article explores the life, achievements, artworks, landmark projects, and lasting influence of Irfan Qureshi — the undisputed master of Islamic calligraphy in Pakistan and one of the most celebrated calligraphers in the world today.
| Quick Facts: Irfan Qureshi at a Glance
Born: 1967, Gujranwala, Pakistan | Based: Lahore, Pakistan | Experience: 35+ years | Title: Safeer-e-Khattati (Punjab University) | Ijaza (Calligraphy Licence): 1992 | NCA Diploma: 2007 (First-ever in Pakistan) | Website: irfanqureshi.art |
Early Life and Calligraphic Roots: Born into Art
Irfan Qureshi was born in 1967 in Gujranwala, Pakistan, into a family where calligraphy was not a hobby but a way of life. From his earliest years, he was immersed in the world of the qalam (pen) and ink, guided by the masters around him. To sharpen his skills, he sought out and trained under three legendary calligraphers of the Subcontinent: Nafees Raqam, Yaqut Raqam, and Gauhar Qalam — each a titan of the traditional Islamic calligraphic arts.
This lineage of training is not a small matter. In the world of classical Islamic calligraphy, learning under recognized masters and receiving formal permission to practice — known as the “Ijaza” — is the highest mark of authenticity. Irfan Qureshi received his Ijaza in 1992, a credential that formally certified him as a qualified master practitioner. It placed him in a centuries-old chain of calligraphic tradition stretching back to the earliest masters of the Islamic world.
The NCA Milestone: First-Ever Calligraphy Diploma in Pakistan (2007)
In 2007, Irfan Qureshi achieved a milestone that had never before been reached in the entire history of Pakistan: he was awarded the first-ever diploma in calligraphy by the prestigious National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore. This was not merely a personal accolade — it was a historic recognition of
classical Islamic calligraphy as a formal academic discipline within Pakistan’s most respected arts institution.
This landmark moment set Qureshi apart from every other calligrapher in the country. While many are gifted artists, Irfan Qureshi is the only Pakistani calligrapher to carry an officially certified NCA diploma in this field, making him uniquely qualified as both a practitioner and an educator.
Since 2020, he has been engaged in Calligraphy and Illumination at the National College of Arts, Lahore — continuing to shape the next generation of Pakistani calligraphers through formal academic instruction.
| Why This Matters for SEO & Authority
The NCA diploma is a verifiable, unique credential. No other calligrapher in Pakistan holds this distinction. This fact alone is a powerful E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) signal for Google ranking. |
Mastery of Islamic Calligraphic Scripts: From Nastaliq to Thuluth
What truly distinguishes Irfan Qureshi as the top calligrapher in Pakistan is the extraordinary breadth and depth of his calligraphic mastery. He is not a specialist in a single script — he is a master of multiple classical Arabic and Urdu calligraphic styles:
- Nastaliq — the flowing, lyrical script considered the national script of Pakistan and the heart of Urdu poetry and literature
- Thuluth — one of the most admired scripts in mosque architecture and Quranic inscriptions
- Naskh — a clear, clean script widely used in Quran printing and manuscripts
- Diwani and Riq’a — Ottoman and classical Arabic scripts of great historical importance
- Architectural Calligraphy — large-scale inscriptions on buildings, mosques, and national monuments
Qureshi is equally celebrated for his exquisite work in Tezhip (illumination) — the art of decorating calligraphic manuscripts with intricate gilded and coloured patterns, a tradition rooted in the Ottoman and Persian courts. This dual mastery of calligraphy and illumination makes him one of the rarest artists alive in Pakistan today.
He was honoured by Punjab University with the prestigious title of “Safeer-e-Khattati” (Ambassador of Calligraphy) — a recognition of his lifelong service to the promotion and preservation of this sacred art form across Pakistan.
Landmark Projects: Where Irfan Qureshi’s Art Lives Forever
The true measure of a great calligrapher is not just the beauty of his individual works, but the permanence of his contribution to public spaces and national heritage. Irfan Qureshi’s projects are embedded into the fabric of Pakistan’s history.
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Azadi Museum, Wagah Border — 45 Paintings and Murals
Perhaps his most iconic public contribution, Irfan Qureshi created 45 paintings and murals for the Azadi Museum at the Wagah International Border in Lahore — commissioned by the Pakistan Rangers, Punjab. These works depict the history of Pakistan’s Independence Movement and have been widely acclaimed as spectacular works of art. Every day, thousands of visitors at the Wagah border ceremony pass by or view artwork carrying Qureshi’s calligraphic and artistic vision.
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Mushaf-e-Pakistan — The Handwritten Quran Project
As Project Director of the Mushaf-e-Pakistan — a handwritten Quran project commissioned at Topical Quran Project, Lahore — Irfan Qureshi undertook one of the most spiritually significant calligraphic endeavours in Pakistan’s recent history. Hand-writing the Quran is considered the highest calling for a Muslim calligrapher, requiring not only supreme technical skill but a lifetime of spiritual and artistic dedication.
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Architectural Calligraphy at Punjab Secretariat Mosque
Irfan Qureshi’s calligraphy adorns the Punjab Secretariat Mosque in Lahore — one of the most important government buildings in Pakistan. This architectural calligraphy work, executed in both standard and gold-leaf techniques, is seen by government officials, dignitaries, and visitors daily.
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Jamia Masjid Salli Town — Gold Calligraphic Inscriptions
Using gold, Qureshi created the calligraphic inscriptions for Jamia Masjid Salli Town in Lahore — a testament to his ability to work with the most prestigious materials and commissions in Islamic architectural art.
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Dabistan-e-Iqbal, Lahore
Since its establishment in 2012, the walls of Dabistan-e-Iqbal in Lahore have been graced with Irfan Qureshi’s calligraphic masterpieces and paintings — a permanent collection embedded in one of Lahore’s cultural institutions.
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Holy Quran Title Design for Major Publishers
Irfan Qureshi has designed the title pages and script for the Holy Quran for some of the leading publishers of Quran Kareem in Pakistan — an honour reserved only for the most trusted and technically excellent calligraphers.
| Irfan Qureshi’s artworks are physically present in Lahore, Gujranwala, and the Wagah Border area. He is the best calligrapher in Lahore and the most visible Islamic calligraphy artist in Punjab, Pakistan. |
A Teacher Who Shaped Pakistani Calligraphy: Academic and Institutional Roles
Great masters are not defined solely by their own art — they are defined by the generations they inspire. Irfan Qureshi has dedicated as much of his life to teaching as he has to creating. His academic footprint across Pakistan’s most prestigious institutions is unmatched:
- National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore — Faculty for Calligraphy and Illumination (since 2020 and at CCRS 2008–2011)
- Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore — Visiting Faculty for Calligraphy and Illumination
- University of Central Punjab (UCP), Lahore — Visiting Faculty Member
- Hast-o-Neest Institute of Traditional Studies and Art — Founding Member and Patron of Muqla Centre of Art
- Director, Institute of Islamic Art and Culture, Lahore — institutional leadership of Pakistan’s Islamic arts education
Through these roles, Irfan Qureshi has taught hundreds of students — calligraphers, painters, and illumination artists — who now carry his legacy forward across Pakistan and beyond. His commitment to education is the reason the art of Nastaliq and Thuluth calligraphy remains vibrant in Pakistan today.
International Exhibitions: Pakistan’s Calligraphy on the World Stage
If the question is “who is the most famous calligrapher in Pakistan?” then the answer must also account for international recognition. Irfan Qureshi’s work has been exhibited across the globe, bringing Pakistan’s calligraphic tradition to audiences in:
| USA | United Kingdom | France |
| Switzerland | Saudi Arabia | Dubai, UAE |
| Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) | Turkey (via IRCICA) | Pakistan (National Level) |
Select exhibitions include:
- 2010 — NASTALIQ Exhibition, Zahoor-ul-Ikhlaq Gallery, NCA, Lahore, Pakistan
- 2010 — Media and Calligraphy, Alhamra Art Gallery, Lahore, Pakistan
- 2010 — IRCICA International Exhibition of Calligraphy, Convention Center, Islamabad
- 2010 — International Exhibition of Calligraphy, Convention Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- 2012 — Sarir-e-Khama International Exhibition of Calligraphy (Curator), College of Art and Design, University of Punjab, Lahore
- 2015 — National Exhibition of Calligraphy, Officers Club, Gujranwala, Pakistan
- Curator — International Exhibition of Calligraphy in collaboration with IRCICA Turkey at GIFT University Gujranwala and Alhamra, Lahore
His solo shows have mesmerized audiences across continents, and his works are held in private collections internationally — making him not only the most famous calligrapher in Pakistan but a globally recognized master of Islamic art.
Scholar, Researcher, and Curator: Irfan Qureshi’s Intellectual Contributions
What sets Irfan Qureshi apart from other talented calligraphers is that his contribution to the field is not limited to art-making. He is a documented scholar and researcher who has advanced the academic understanding of Islamic calligraphy in Pakistan.
Research Papers and Conferences
- “Hamara Rasm-ul-Khat” — a well-researched paper presented at the International Conference on Islamic Art and Architecture (ICIAA 2008), National College of Arts, Lahore. He also curated the entire conference.
- “Barr-e-Sagheer mein Funn-e-Tahzeeb ka Safar” — a paper on the journey of the art of civilization in the Subcontinent, presented at the Sarir-e-Khama International Conference (2012), College of Art and Design, University of the Punjab, Lahore.
Institutional Leadership
- Co-Founder, Aiwan-e-Ilm-o-Funn (established 1990) — organizing meetings, seminars, exhibitions, and publications for calligraphy promotion across Pakistan
- General Secretary, Calligraphers Association of Pakistan — providing organizational leadership to Pakistan’s calligraphy community
- Founder, International Islamic Arts Festival — a platform that brings Islamic art and calligraphy to global audiences
- Member, Management Committee, Dabistan-e-Iqbal, Lahore
These intellectual and organizational contributions are exactly why Irfan Qureshi is far more than a calligrapher with a beautiful hand. He is the architect of Islamic calligraphy’s institutional future in Pakistan.
Awards and Recognition: A Career of Accolades
Irfan Qureshi’s decades of dedication have been recognized by Pakistan’s most prestigious arts bodies. His awards include recognition from:
| Award / Recognition | Awarding Institution |
| Punjab Council of Arts Award | Punjab Council of Arts, Pakistan |
| National College of Arts Recognition | National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore |
| Pakistan Arts Council Award | Pakistan Arts Council |
| First-ever Calligraphy Diploma | NCA Lahore (2007) — historic first |
| Ijaza (Master Practitioner Licence) | Traditional Calligraphy Masters (1992) |
| Safeer-e-Khattati (Ambassador of Calligraphy) | University of the Punjab, Lahore |
Why Irfan Qureshi Is the Most Famous Calligrapher in Pakistan: A Summary
Many artists practice calligraphy in Pakistan. But when we ask who is the most famous calligrapher in Pakistan, Irfan Qureshi stands in a category entirely his own. Here is why:
| 01 | He holds Pakistan’s first and only NCA-issued calligraphy diploma — a credential no other calligrapher in the country possesses. |
| 02 | He received the Ijaza in 1992 — formal recognition as a master practitioner within the traditional Islamic calligraphic lineage. |
| 03 | His artworks are permanently embedded in Pakistan’s national heritage sites: Wagah Border, Punjab Secretariat Mosque, and Dabistan-e-Iqbal. |
| 04 | He has exhibited his calligraphy across 10+ countries — the USA, UK, France, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Malaysia, and more. |
| 05 | He has taught calligraphy at NCA, Kinnaird College, and UCP — three of Pakistan’s most prestigious institutions. |
| 06 | He was honoured as ‘Safeer-e-Khattati’ (Ambassador of Calligraphy) by Punjab University. |
| 07 | He co-founded Aiwan-e-Ilm-o-Funn, founded the International Islamic Arts Festival, and served as General Secretary of the Calligraphers Association of Pakistan. |
| 08 | He has presented research papers at international conferences and curated major national exhibitions. |
| 09 | He is the Project Director of Mushaf-e-Pakistan — the handwritten Quran project — the most sacred calligraphic undertaking in Pakistan. |
| 10 | He designed Quran titles for Pakistan’s top Quran publishers — a commission reserved only for the most trusted calligraphers. |
Irfan Qureshi: The Best Calligrapher in Lahore and Punjab
For those searching for the best calligrapher in Lahore or a renowned Islamic artist in Punjab, Irfan Qureshi is the clear answer. His studio, exhibitions, and institutional roles are all rooted in Lahore — Pakistan’s cultural capital. Whether you are looking to:
- Commission original calligraphy artwork for your home or office
- Commission architectural calligraphy for a mosque, government building, or institution
- Purchase original Islamic calligraphy paintings for private collections
- Hire a calligraphy instructor or workshop leader for an event
- Acquire Quran calligraphy wall art or custom pieces
…Irfan Qureshi at irfanqureshi.art is your first and finest choice in Lahore, Punjab, and across Pakistan. His commissions range from intimate personal pieces to grand architectural installations — each executed with the precision of a master who has spent a lifetime perfecting the geometry and proportion that make calligraphy beautiful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is the most famous calligrapher in Pakistan?
Irfan Ahmad Qureshi is widely regarded as the most famous calligrapher in Pakistan. With over 35 years of experience, Pakistan’s first and only NCA calligraphy diploma (2007), the Ijaza credential (1992), and artworks displayed across more than 10 countries, he is the gold standard of Islamic calligraphy in Pakistan.
Who is the best calligrapher in Lahore?
Irfan Qureshi, based in Lahore, is the best calligrapher in the city and in Pakistan. He has taught at the National College of Arts, created murals at the Wagah Border Azadi Museum, and led Pakistan’s largest calligraphy institutions and conferences.
What calligraphic scripts does Irfan Qureshi specialize in?
Irfan Qureshi is a master of multiple scripts including Nastaliq (Pakistan’s national script), Thuluth, Naskh, Diwani, and Riq’a. He is also an expert in Tezhip (Islamic illumination) and architectural calligraphy with gold.
Where can I see Irfan Qureshi’s calligraphy artworks?
His works are permanently installed at the Azadi Museum at Wagah Border Lahore, Dabistan-e-Iqbal Lahore, Punjab Secretariat Mosque Lahore, and Jamia Masjid Salli Town. His gallery and portfolio are available at irfanqureshi.art.
Can I commission calligraphy artwork from Irfan Qureshi?
Yes. Irfan Qureshi accepts commissions for personal artwork, architectural calligraphy, Quranic inscriptions, institutional projects, and custom pieces. Visit irfanqureshi.art to request a quote or contact him directly.
What makes Irfan Qureshi different from other Pakistani calligraphers?
He is the only Pakistani calligrapher to hold the first-ever NCA calligraphy diploma (2007), the Ijaza master licence (1992), the Safeer-e-Khattati title from Punjab University, and a track record of 45 public murals, Quran handwriting projects, and international exhibitions — all in one career.
Conclusion: A Living Legend of Islamic Calligraphy in Pakistan
In every era, a handful of artists emerge whose work defines the cultural and spiritual character of their time. In Pakistan today, that artist — in the sacred tradition of Islamic calligraphy — is Irfan Qureshi. He is not merely Pakistan’s most famous calligrapher; he is its most dedicated servant of the art form, its most accomplished teacher, and its most enduring ambassador to the world.
From the walls of the Wagah Border to the corridors of the National College of Arts, from private collections in Dubai to galleries in France, the hand of Irfan Qureshi has left its mark on the world. His work is a reminder that calligraphy is not just writing — it is prayer made visible, beauty made permanent, and culture made eternal.
To view his artworks, commission a piece, or explore his portfolio, visit irfanqureshi.art — the online home of Pakistan’s greatest living calligrapher.
Ready to commission a masterpiece? Whether you need calligraphy for your home, mosque, institution, or as a gift — Irfan Qureshi brings 35+ years of mastery to every piece. Request a quote at irfanqureshi.art today.