IVS School Leadership

Mr. Zubyr Soomro is a seasoned international banker with 33 years at Citibank, where he held senior positions across the Middle East, Turkey, the UK, and Pakistan. He was appointed Chairman and President of United Bank Limited in 1997, successfully leading its restructuring for privatization before rejoining Citibank as Managing Director. Recognized for his contributions to banking reform, he was awarded the Quaid-e-Azam Centenary Gold Medal by the State Bank of Pakistan in 2004. Beyond banking, he has been deeply involved in financial inclusion, poverty alleviation, and education, serving as Chairman of the Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company and on the boards of institutions such as the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund, LUMS, Aitchison College, LRBT, and Acumen Pakistan. He has also been a board member of the State Bank of Pakistan, chaired the Karachi Stock Exchange, and held leadership roles in the Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan, National Investment Trust, Overseas Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and American Business Council. He holds a BSc Hons from the London School of Economics and a Master’s from SOAS, University of London, with executive training at Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School.

Committed to fostering education and the arts, Mr. Soomro is the Chairman of the Board of Governors at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture.

Ms. Pouruchishty Sidhwa is a seasoned Human Resources professional with over 35 years of experience across diverse industries, including banking, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, FMCG, retail, and textiles. Her expertise spans organizational transformation, talent management, change leadership, and building high-performing teams. She has a proven track record in restructuring organizations, streamlining processes, and fostering cross-functional collaboration. She has held leadership roles in prominent organizations such as easypaisa Digital Bank, Gul Ahmed Textile Mills, Shan Foods, GSK, House of Habib, and the Royal Bank of Scotland. Her extensive banking experience includes over a decade at Citibank N.A., where she led human resources, credit risk management, and portfolio analytics. Additionally, she spent eight years at HSBC in financial control and credit operations.

Ms. Sidhwa currently serves as a Board Member at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, where she brings her wealth of experience to support the institution’s governance and strategic initiatives.

Mrs. Nighat Mir is a distinguished design consultant and a founding member of the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVS). She played a pivotal role in establishing IVS, contributing significantly to its mission of promoting art and design education in Pakistan. Her dedication to the institution continues through her service on the IVS Board of Governors. Professionally, Nighat Mir co-founded The Circuit, a full-service advertising agency, in 1987 alongside her late husband, Imran Mir, a renowned modern artist and designer. Under their leadership, The Circuit became known for its groundbreaking branding and impactful advertising campaigns. In 1990, the agency secured an international affiliation with Foote, Cone & Belding, enhancing its global reach and reputation. The Circuit later became known as Circuit DRAFTFCB, reflecting its affiliation with the global network. Their son, Gibran Mir, currently serves as the CEO of Circuit DRAFTFCB, continuing the legacy of innovation and excellence in the advertising industry. 

Nighat Mir’s contributions to design and advertising, coupled with her ongoing commitment to art education through IVS, underscore her influential role in Pakistan’s creative landscape.

Dr. Faiza Mushtaq is the Dean & Executive Director of the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVS). A well-known educator and scholar, she brings a wealth of academic and administrative experience, as well as both visionary and operational strengths, to IVS.

Before joining IVS, Dr. Mushtaq served as Head of the Social Sciences and Liberal Arts Department at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi. She holds a PhD in Sociology from Northwestern University (USA) and has an extensive background in teaching, research, curriculum design, and institutional development.

Her scholarship explores themes of gender, education, and social change, and she has been actively engaged in fostering critical pedagogy and research-driven learning in higher education. In addition to her role at IVS, she is an Advisor at the Sabeen Mahmud Foundation, contributing to initiatives that promote critical thinking, civic engagement, and creative expression.

At IVS, she is dedicated to strengthening academic programs, expanding research initiatives, and enhancing industry partnerships to position the school as a leading institution for art, design, and architecture education in Pakistan. Dr. Mushtaq’s leadership is shaping IVS’s future vision, reinforcing its role as a center of artistic excellence, social responsibility, and critical discourse in Pakistan and beyond.

Afsheen Numair is a distinguished textile designer, entrepreneur, and proud alumna of the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, graduating with a degree in Textile Design in 1998. With a deep passion for craft preservation and sustainability, she founded BLOCKED TEXTILES nearly two decades ago, establishing a brand recognized for its signature block prints, vibrant color palettes, and intricate patterns. Committed to ethical production, Afsheen has championed small-batch, zero-waste practices, ensuring that every piece aligns with sustainable principles. Her work extends beyond block printing—she collaborates with rural female artisans in Sindh, particularly in the Sanghar district, to create exquisitely embroidered and appliquéd textiles. By incorporating upcycling techniques such as intricate patchwork and hand appliqué, she continues to operate within the slow fashion space, keeping traditional crafts relevant for modern audiences.

As a Board Member and engaged alumna of IVS, Afsheen remains actively involved in the institution, bringing her expertise in sustainable design, artisanal craftsmanship, and ethical fashion to support its vision and future growth.

Ms. Noorjehan Bilgrami is a renowned artist, textile designer, researcher, curator, and educator, widely recognized for her contributions to reviving traditional crafts and indigenous textile techniques in Pakistan. She is a founding member of the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVS) and played a pivotal role in shaping the institution’s vision and curriculum. Her work is deeply rooted in heritage, material culture, and craftsmanship, with a focus on natural dyes and traditional weaving techniques. Noorjehan’s dedication to preserving and innovating within Pakistan’s rich textile traditions led to the establishment of Koel, a design studio that has become synonymous with handcrafted, naturally dyed fabrics and sustainable design practices. Beyond textiles, her artistic practice spans painting, ceramics, and curation, often reflecting themes of identity, nature, and cultural continuity. In 2020, she served as the curator of the Pakistan Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, where she presented Pakistan’s rich cultural and artistic heritage to a global audience, earning widespread acclaim for the pavilion’s compelling storytelling and design. As an influential figure in the art and design community, she has participated in numerous exhibitions, publications, and research initiatives, advocating for the integration of traditional crafts into contemporary design.

As a Board Member at IVS, Noorjehan Bilgrami continues to contribute her extensive expertise, fostering a deeper engagement with craft, design, and cultural heritage within the institution.

Nida Azwer is a distinguished fashion designer, entrepreneur, and advocate for traditional textile crafts, known for her commitment to preserving and modernizing Pakistan’s rich artisanal heritage. A graduate of the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVS) with a degree in Textile Design (2005), she founded her eponymous label, Nida Azwer Atelier, just one month after graduating. Her brand has become one of Pakistan’s most recognized fashion houses, celebrated for its fusion of contemporary silhouettes with age-old craftsmanship. Nida Azwer has played a pivotal role in reviving and incorporating indigenous techniques such as tukri ka kaam, rilli, kantha, zardozi, and miniature embroidery into modern fashion, ensuring their relevance in today’s design landscape. With a focus on slow fashion and sustainability, she works closely with Sindhi weavers and rural artisans to create collections that not only showcase Pakistan’s textile heritage but also provide economic opportunities for craftspeople. Her work has been showcased internationally, with exhibitions in Dubai, London, and beyond, earning her a global reputation. Nida Azwer has received multiple accolades for her contributions to fashion, including nominations for the Lux Style Awards for Best Emerging Talent (2008) and Best Fashion Designer Pret (2015). She also won Best Designer at the Nesvita Women of Strength Awards (2009).

As a Board Member and Alumni of IVS, she continues to support the institution and its mission, fostering the next generation of designers while championing the legacy of Pakistani craftsmanship.

Mr. Fareed M. Hosain is a seasoned technology executive, strategist, and governance expert, with extensive experience in banking, IT risk management, and digital transformation. With a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, he has dedicated his career to strengthening technology governance, implementing cutting-edge systems, and managing risk to enhance operational efficiency and business growth. His expertise spans IT strategy, cybersecurity, data protection, compliance, and fintech solutions, with leadership roles at American Express, Morgan Stanley, Standard Chartered Bank, and Habib Bank Limited (HBL). As Chief Information Officer (CIO) and technology consultant, he has played a pivotal role in transforming core banking systems, governance frameworks, and regulatory compliance strategies for major financial institutions. His work includes IT policy development, cybersecurity enhancements, and trade-based anti-money laundering system design. His global experience, problem-solving acumen, and deep understanding of technology governance in banking and finance position him as a thought leader in digital transformation and IT risk management.

Beyond corporate leadership, Fareed Hosain is a Member of the Board of Governors at Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVS). Leveraging his technology expertise, he focuses on enhancing IT governance, mitigating IT risks, and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, contributing to better academic and institutional outcomes.

Mr. Khalid Rahman is a seasoned finance and business leader with over 40 years of experience in banking and the oil and gas industry across the UK, Hong Kong, and Pakistan. A Chartered Accountant from England & Wales, Pakistan, and Canada, he is also an alumnus of the Graduate Business School at Stanford University and the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He has held key leadership roles, serving as CEO and MD of Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC), overseeing strategic operations and industry reforms. He also led gas sector reforms for the Government of Pakistan in collaboration with the World Bank. Actively engaged in the accounting profession, he is a Council Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) and represents the Asia-Pacific region on the Nomination Committee of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). He serves as an independent director on the boards of the National Clearing Company of Pakistan Limited (NCCPL) and Lucky Electric Power Company Limited (LEPCL), where he also chairs key audit and risk committees. Additionally, he chairs the Audit Committee of Lady Rehmatullah Benevolent Trust, supporting free eye care services across Pakistan.

At the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, he is the Chair of the Financial Planning Committee, contributing his expertise to the institution’s financial governance and sustainability.

Prof. Naazish Ataullah is a distinguished academic, artist, and arts educator with a profound impact on art education and institutional leadership in Pakistan. As a practicing artist and former Vice Chancellor of the National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore, she has played a pivotal role in shaping artistic discourse and pedagogy in the country. With a career spanning decades, Prof. Ataullah has been instrumental in curriculum development, fostering critical engagement with contemporary art, and mentoring generations of artists. Her work reflects a deep commitment to artistic research, education, and the preservation of traditional art practices while embracing modern and experimental approaches. Prof. Ataullah’s contributions to Pakistani art and education have earned her national and international recognition, solidifying her status as a leading figure in the country’s cultural and academic landscape.

She currently serves as the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Nominee to the Board of Governors at Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVS). In this capacity, she contributes her extensive experience in academic governance, policy development, and quality assurance in higher education, ensuring that IVS continues to uphold academic excellence and innovation.

Mr. Riyaz Chinoy is an accomplished business leader with extensive experience in corporate governance, financial oversight, and strategic management. Over a career spanning more than 30 years, he has held key leadership positions across various industries, including steel, packaging, insurance, and manufacturing. He served as the Chief Executive Officer of International Industries Limited for nearly a decade, following a long tenure as Chief Operating Officer. Currently, he contributes his expertise as an Independent Director on the boards of several prominent organizations, including Indus Motor Company, Jubilee General Insurance, Packages Convertors Ltd., Bulleh Shah Packaging, Heavy Mechanical Complex, and Pakistan Machine Tool Factory. He also holds advisory and governance roles with The Citizens Foundation (UK) and Yaqin Steels Ltd.

At the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Mr. Chinoy serves as a Board Member, bringing his extensive corporate experience to support the institution’s strategic and financial planning.

Mr. Shahab Ghani Khan is a distinguished architect with over 48 years of experience in architecture and interior design. He is the Managing Partner at Shahab Ghani & Associates, a firm he founded in 1977, and has played a key role in promoting sustainable architecture in Pakistan. Passionate about advancing architectural education and professional standards, he has held leadership positions in major industry bodies, including serving as President of the Institute of Architects, Pakistan (2009–2012) and Chairman of the Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners (2005–2009). He has represented Pakistan at the Architects Regional Council Asia (ARCASIA) and the International Union of Architects (UIA) at various international forums. Mr. Ghani Khan is also a Trustee of the Endowment Fund Trust for the Preservation of the Heritage of Sindh and has been actively involved in heritage conservation. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Oregon, where he also served as President of the Foreign Students Organization.

Currently, he serves as the Chair of the Executive Committee at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, following his tenure as a member of the Board of Governors.

Justice Muhammad Abdur Rahman is a Justice of the Sindh High Court (SHC) and serves as the Sindh High Court Nominee to the Board of Governors at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVS). Appointed as an Additional Judge of the Sindh High Court on April 14, 2023, he was later confirmed as a permanent judge on April 14, 2024. His legal expertise and judicial acumen contribute significantly to upholding justice and interpreting the law. Justice Rahman comes from a family with a distinguished legal and academic legacy. He is the great-grandson of Justice Abdur Rahman, who served on the Madras High Court, Lahore High Court, and the Federal Court of Pakistan, and the nephew of Atta-ur-Rahman, a former Minister of Science and Technology of Pakistan. He received his early education at Karachi Grammar School and later earned a law degree from the University of Sussex, Brighton, graduating in 1999. He was called to the Bar from the Inner Temple in 2000, marking the beginning of his legal career.

As a Board Member at IVS, he brings his judicial insights to the institution, ensuring adherence to governance principles while supporting the school’s academic and institutional mission.