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Pakistan’s 7 most beautiful mosques

From the ancient beauty of Wazir Khan in Lahore to the futuristic lines of Faisal in Islamabad, Pakistan has some of the world's most impressive mosques. Just ask the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge...

1. Faisal Mosque, Islamabad

Designed by Turkish architect, Vedat Dalokay, the mosque is sleek and contemporary and, controversially, has no dome. The four 88m-high minarets soar skywards, the massive 5,000 sq m prayer hall can hold 100,000 worshippers and there is an architectural nod to Kaaba, the building found at the centre of the most important mosque in Mecca, the Great Mosque of Mecca.

2. Wazir Khan Mosque, Lahore

Built in 1634 during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the Wazir Khan Mosque is home to some of the finest examples of mosaic tile work from the Mughal period.

Wandering through the complex, you’ll spot incredible calligraphy of verses from the Holy Qur'an and Persian poetry, floral designs and other geometric patterns in praise of the munificent of God. It is as much a work of art as a place of worship.

3. Tooba Mosque, Karachi

Built from pure white marble, the single-domed Tooba Mosque is a dazzling site in Karachi’s otherwise unremarkable Korangi district.

The locals call it Gol Masjid, the round mosque, and the fountains and water features that lead to the main hall are popular are a popular spot to gather when evening falls and temperatures drop.

4. Shah Jahan Mosque, Thatta

Built during the reign of Mughal King Shah Jahan, legend has it that the mosque was gifted to the people of the town for their hospitality during a royal visit.

The mosque is famous for its 93 domes, each decorated with a mosaic of radiating blue and white tiles. It is also known for a remarkable echo that means that the prayers in the front can be heard anywhere in the building.

5. Badshahi Mosque, Lahore

The breathtaking Badshahi Mosque in Lahore is one of the most beautiful Islamic sites in Pakistan and a popular spot to visit for British royals. Diana, Princess of Wales visited in 1991 and, more recently, Prince William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, visited during their tour of Pakistan in 2019.

Built in 1673, it was the largest mosque in the world for over 300 years until the Faisal Mosque was completed in 1986. Its 26,000 sq m courtyard can host up to 95,000 worshippers.

6. Mahabat Khan Mosque, Peshawar

Tucked away in the western part of Chowk Yadgar in Peshawar, the 17th-century Mahabat Khan mosque is famous for its stunning geometric designs. Unassuming from the outside, the interior is covered in beautiful tiles and intricate frescoes.

After you have perused the lavish interior, head to the ancient caravanserai to the east for the best views of the mosque’s impressive plaza and minarets.

7. Grand Jamia Mosque, Lahore

A new addition to the Lahore skyline, the imposing Grand Jamia Mosque in Bahria Town in Lahore was only finished in 2014. Designed by Nayyar Ali Dada, it pays architectural homage to Pakistan’s other famous mosques, while providing spacious, modern facilities for worshippers. It is the third largest mosque in Pakistan and the 13th largest in the world.

The exterior of the mosque is covered in over four million tiles, handcrafted in Multan. The interior boasts custom-made carpets from Turkey and 50 chandeliers imported from Iran. One level of the mosque is dedicated to an Islamic heritage museum displaying rare Qur'anic collections, an Islamic library, and an Islamic art gallery.