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R O O T S   &   H E R I T A G E 

Imran’s deep sense of purpose, leadership, and curiosity is anchored in the remarkable legacies of his grandfathers.

His paternal grandfather (Dada), Mohammad Shamsuddin, was a pioneering civil engineer from Hyderabad Deccan, India, who earned his MS in hydraulic engineering from the Brooklyn Institute of Technology (now NYU Tandon) in 1948. A deeply disciplined, fiercely independent, and God-fearing man, he worked on monumental global infrastructure projects, including the Hoover Dam, Karnaphuli Dam (Bangladesh), and the Tarbela and Warsak Dams (Pakistan). Moving wherever duty called—from Chittagong to Peshawar—he and his beloved wife, Zebunisa Begum, raised nine children, instilling a profound appreciation for education and hard work down the generations. Later in life, he lived in the holy cities of Makkah and Medina, where Imran was fortunate to spend significant time learning from his Dada and grandmother (Dadi).

His maternal grandfather (Nana), Abdul Hakim, was a visionary banker and entrepreneur originally from Uttar Pradesh, India. A respected pillar of the banking world, he served across both East and West Pakistan. Over a long, distinguished career with Habib Bank, he was entrusted with engaging and hosting royal international dignitaries, including the Sabah family of Kuwait and the Al Nahyan family of Abu Dhabi. Later in life, his entrepreneurial drive led him to become a partner in the Punjab Cotton Mills in Sheikhupura, export fine Persian carpets globally from Karachi to Australia, and eventually relocate to Oregon to manage a business alongside his youngest son following the passing of his wife, Seida.

Imran seamlessly embodies the hard-working drive of his grandfathers and the vibrant, joyful spirit of his late father, Mohammad Qamaruddin (who passed away in 2025). This generational mix fuels Imran's entrepreneurial grit and his profound passion for life—fueling a healthy case of FOMO that drives him to live every single day to the absolute maximum.

A Global Education & Early Pursuits

Born in Lahore, Pakistan, Imran’s journey as a global citizen began early when his family relocated to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 1974. He attended the Pakistan International School through the 5th grade before heading to the United Kingdom for his 6th and 7th-grade years at the Hollingbury Court School boarding academy in West Sussex.

He returned to Riyadh to attend the Saudi American International School (SAIS-R) for the 8th and 9th grades. At SAIS, Imran threw himself into everything: playing AYSO soccer and Little League baseball, performing in theatrical productions, acting as the Emcee for the school talent show, and earning the rank of Star Scout in the Boy Scouts of America—which included a memorable multi-week wilderness canoe expedition through Maine.

For his high school years, Imran attended the prestigious Northfield Mount Hermon School (NMH) in Massachusetts. During his time there, he served as the Editor-in-Chief of The Bridge, guiding the publication to win New England’s "Best High School Newspaper" Award. He also stayed highly active in athletics, playing American football, baseball, and ice hockey. Recognizing his vast contributions to the campus environment, NMH honored Imran with the Award for the Student Who Improved the Quality of Life at the conclusion of both his junior and senior years.

The Trojan Chapter

Imran completed his higher education at the University of Southern California (USC), earning his B.Arch and M.Arch degrees, and successfully passing his doctoral qualification exams (Ph.D. ABD).

While he played rugby during his freshman year, he eventually shifted his focus entirely toward academic excellence and campus leadership. A natural community builder, Imran served as a Resident Advisor (RA) for four years, a Graduate Teaching Assistant, an International Peer Advocate, and an Orientation Group Leader. He was also an active leader and member within the Pakistan Student Association, the International Student Assembly, and the Muslim Student Association.

Family & Legacy

In August 1995, Imran and his wife, Aneela, were happily married. Today, they reside in Katy, Texas (a thriving suburb of Houston), where they have raised four independent, creative, and successful young adults:

• Daoud: A Texas A&M University and EY alumnus, Daoud is a successful business owner and filmmaker based right here in Houston, leaning on a sharp entrepreneurial sense and natural leadership skills.

• Aleeze’: Having recently completed her Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree at the University of Southern California (USC), she is poised at the launchpad of an exciting professional career (In shaa Allah).

• Anushe’: Located in New York City, Anushe' serves as a Program Director at a prestigious firm, blossoming into an exceptional corporate leader and a source of immense parental pride.

• Zermene’: The youngest of the siblings, Zermene' is currently a sophomore paving her path at the University of Texas at Dallas within the Jindal School of Management (JSOM).

Alhumdulillah!