Born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Parvez started his career in Lahore, winning first prize in a 1952 exhibition at Punjab University. Most of his early works are still-life. It was his move to London in 1955 which transformed Parvez into a less referential painter. A founder member of the Pakistan Group in London, and a dedicated member of The Lahore Group, Parvez remained true to his national identity whilst outside his own country. He felt motivated to increase awareness of the new developments in painting he witnessed in London, and attempted to integrate Modernism into Pakistani art. Spending time with Alan Davie, renowned for his non-conformity, helped Parvez to develop his own distinct style.
Parvez influenced the Karachi art scene in the 1970s both with his personality and art. His painting became looser, and more playful. An uncompromising professional, he was a spiritual mentor to the younger generation and a fierce critic of his peers.
Many of his best works have been collected by the artist-collector Wahab Jaffer of Karachi and by Sultan Mahmood, one of Pakistan's first serious art collectors.