Mountains with snow-capped peaks, a winding river in a valley, and a small village with houses and trees at sunset.

At Lálgar Foundation, creativity is revolution.

Artistry is impact. Heritage is power. Creativity is change. History is our living memory.

Lálgar is a sanctuary for cultural preservation and innovation. Rooted in Chitral—at the meeting point of many mountain cultures—we illuminate Indigenous knowledge and culture, native languages, performing arts (music and dance), history and literature, and folk traditions, bridging the past with the possibilities of tomorrow.

Through craft and material practice, performance and music, language and literature, and research in archaeology and architecture, we cultivate solutions that honour heritage, climate justice, and cross-cultural collaboration. Our work turns knowledge into schools, labs, archives, stages, and studios—empowering communities to become forces of transformation.

We partner with marginalised groups from remote communities, including religious minorities across Pakistan—many of whom are illiterate. Our commitment to inclusion spans gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, disability, Deaf and neurodivergent creatives, and education levels—ensuring a universal message of equity and empowerment.

Like a careful archivist and a master maker, we protect what is precious, amplify what is unheard, and help culture thrive as a shared commons—clear, dignified, and durable for the futures ahead.

Our Story

Adil and Arshad met in 2010 and became friends over endless cups of chai, always brewing ideas of creating something meaningful. Though their paths led in different directions—Adil in arts and sustainability, Arshad in heritage and language—they shared a deep love for history, culture and craft. Lálgar was born from that friendship—a space where tradition meets innovation, where heritage isn’t just preserved but reimagined for a just, sustainable future.

  • Portrait of Adil Iqbal standing outdoors with trees in the background, in black and white.

    Adil Iqbal

    Chief Executive & Co-Founder

    Born in Scotland and rooted in his Pakistani heritage, Adil Iqbal is a Scottish Pakistani cultural practitioner whose work bridges sustainability, and social justice. With a background in Design and Anthropology, Adil combines storytelling with innovative approaches to address pressing issues like the climate crisis through arts, culture, and community development.

    Over the past 15 years, Adil has founded multiple brands and social enterprises focused on arts, heritage, and environmental advocacy. An accomplished curator, producer, and facilitator, Adil has directed exhibitions, films, and workshops that emphasise the intersection of cultural preservation and environmental sustainability. His global experience, spanning France, Turkey, and Pakistan, informs his mission to promote cross-cultural collaboration and address the climate crisis with empathy and creativity.

  • Black and white photo of Arshad Irfan outdoors wearing a pakol, scarf, and coat, with a serious expression, trees, and fences in the background.

    Arshad Irfan

    Chief Operating Officer & Co-Founder

    Born and raised in Chitral, Arshad Irfan is a heritage practitioner with over 15 years of experience bridging history, literature, and music. Fluent in Farsi, Pashto, Khowar, and Urdu, he has contributed to numerous institutions by translating publications that preserve the linguistic and cultural diversity of the region.

    Driven by a deep connection to his homeland, Arshad specialises in heritage research, focusing on the rich cultural tapestry of Chitral and the broader Central Asian, Hindu Kush, Karakoram, and Himalayan regions. His work, rooted in storytelling and preserving intangible heritage, showcases these unique legacies on both national and international platforms.