Artist, Educator, and Preservationist
Dr. Ajaz Anwar, the son of renowned cartoonist Anwar Ali, was born in Ludhiana and pursued an M.A. in Fine Arts from Punjab University, where he achieved First Class First and a Gold Medal in 1967. His academic journey continued with a Ph.D. in Muslim Arts from Istanbul, Turkey, in 1978, followed by a UNESCO course on the Conservation of Cultural Property in Rome, Italy. Dr. Anwar began his teaching career as a lecturer in Muslim Architecture at Punjab University’s Fine Art Department (1970-1972) and later served as a Research Scholar until 1978. His passion for education led him to an international stint as a Senior Lecturer at the Margaret Trowel School of Fine Art, Makerere University, Uganda (1978-1979).
An acclaimed painter, Dr. Anwar has showcased his work internationally, with exhibitions in Lahore, Islamabad, Istanbul, Rome, London, and Kuala Lumpur, New Delhi, among others. His art often celebrates the architectural beauty of Lahore’s old buildings, underscoring his dedication to heritage preservation. As the Director of the Art Gallery at the National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore, and leader of the Lahore Conservation Society, Dr. Anwar has become a key figure in the mission to preserve Lahore’s cultural and architectural heritage, which he views as a personal crusade.
The revitalized art gallery is set to redefine cultural landscape.
Achievements, Honors, and Community Contributions
In recognition of his exceptional contributions to art, Dr. Ajaz Anwar received the President’s Award for Pride of Performance in 1997, and in 2018, the Punjab Institute of Art and Culture (PILAC) honored him with the Pride of Punjab Award. He is also the author of the book Nain Reesan Shehar Lahore Dian (نہیںریساں شہر لاہور دیاں), which compiles his insightful talks presented on Radio Pakistan’s program Ravi Rung.
Dr. Anwar’s dedication extends beyond art; he founded the House of Nannas, an innovative space for students to nurture their artistic skills. Additionally, he actively runs a Wheelchair Bank, providing wheelchairs to the disabled and white canes for the visually impaired. Continuing his father’s legacy, he embraces the character “Nanna,” created by Anwar Ali in The Pakistan Times, which symbolizes the intergenerational impact he strives to impart on the art community.