Islamabad’s Iconic Cycle Race “Tour of Islamabad”

We will start our ride from Islamabad’s Iconic Faisal Masjid which is the largest Mosque in Pakistan.

From Faisal Masjid we will go onto the Jungle Track, which is an off-road track within Shakarparian Park which will give you the flavor of easy off-road riding. It is a track that within minutes takes you to the calmness of the Jungle and away from the city life! For those who would like to get a slight flavor of a Jungle route we can go in for a short and quick exploration as well!

... And then finally cycle back to Faisal Masjid....

Looking forward to your active participation!

Film - The Last Samurai (2003) - USA
Language - English
Director - Edward Zwick
Screenplay - Edward Zwick, John Logan, Marshall Herskovitz
Academy Award Nominations - Supporting Actor (Ken Watanabe), Art Direction, Costume Design, Sound
Cast - Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe, William Atherton, Billy
Connolly, Tony Goldwyn, Timothy Spall

"Beautifully designed, intelligently written, acted with conviction, it's an uncommonly thoughtful epic" ...Robert Ebert of Chicago Sun- Times
The scope of the film is grand, and all its elements - from the cinematography, to the acting, to its beautiful score - all work to enhance it along the way...

The film is about war, the modernization of a country, and about the violent push and pull between progress and tradition.The Last Samurai is a 2003 American epic period action drama film . The plot was inspired by the 1877 Satsuma Rebellion , led by Saigo Takamori, and the Westernisation of Japan by foreign powers. Japan hires an American Civil War veteran ( Tom Cruise) to train their army with modern warfare techniques in order to fight against the all-powerful Samurai clans. However, his life changes in profound ways when he is captured by the Samurai during battle, and he comes into contact with their leader (Ken Watanabe). He slowly comes to love the culture of the very people he has come to destroy.

In 1876, former U.S Army Captain Nathan Algren, an alcoholic traumatized by his actions during the American Indian Wars, is approached by his former commanding officer, Colonel Bagley. Bagley asks him to train the newly created Imperial Japanese Army for a Japanese businessman, Matsue Omura, who intends to use the army to suppress a Samurai rebellion against Japan's new emperor. Tom Cruise portrays Nathan Algren, an American captain- whose personal and emotional conflicts bring him into contact with Samurai warriors in the wake of the Meiji restoration in 19th. Century Japan...

The Last Samurai grossed a total of $456 million at the box office and became the sixth highest grossing fimof 2003.It received praise for the acting, visuals, cinematography and score. It was nominated for several awards, including four Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and two National Board of Review Awards.

Mark your Calendars...Not to be missed!

This unique presentation will explore the evolution of the 'Ameer Hamza' legend, beginning with its earliest known roots in Persian heroic literature. Over centuries, the tale travelled eastwards and finally ended up in the Subcontinent, where it absorbed local language, cultural and artistic traditions. What began as a relatively contained Persian narrative of heroism, and moral struggle, eventually transformed into the Urdu ‘Dastaan e Ameer Hamza’ in the 19th Century...

Programme:
A short dramatic reading from the Urdu version of ‘Dastaan e Amir Hamza’ (with a translation in English), will be presented with light live music to evoke the atmosphere of traditional ‘Dastaangoi’ (The art of storytelling).This will be followed by a 30-minute illustrated presentation tracing the evolution of the ‘Hamza’ narrative, from its beginnings in Persian tradition, through its absorption into Arabic-influenced regions, and finally to its transformation into the most expansive version in the Subcontinent. The presentation will also be supported by a curated slideshow featuring manuscript illustrations, historical artwork and visual material from the different cultures through which the story travelled!

Join us for an interactive session : ask questions about the story’s transitions, comparative literary traditions, and the cultural blending that shaped the final epic!

The Presenter
Imran Iftikhar is the Artistic Director of Chaand Nagar Theatre and has over eight years of experience working in theatre as a director, writer, and actor. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from The New School in New York and a Bachelor’s degree in World Religions from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. Alongside his work in the arts, Imran has a long-standing interest in history and a ten year experience of teaching Middle School history.

Venue: Kehkashan 3, Serena Hotel- Islamabad

· In collaboration with Serena Hotel, Islamabad.

For further information :Ali Bhatti 0300 5638458/ASG Office; 11 am- 2 pm: Tues-Wed: 0343 5127861, Thurs-Sat: 051 2802343, e-mail: asianstudyg@gmail.com

If you havent tried a 'Dosa'...this is your opportunity!

Initially the 'dosa' - a thin, crispy South Indian and Sri Lankan crepe or pancake delicacy (now a univeral favourite, particularly in Pakistan) is made from a fermented batter of rice and urad dal (black gram lentils). A savory dish it can be served plain or stuffed with fillings like spiced potatoes (Masala Dosa). It is traditionally accompanied by chutneys and sambar (a lentil soup).

You will indulge in:

• 6 types of delicious Dosa’s along with 6 Chutneys
• Bun Kabab Karachi Style
• Special Dahi Barae
• Halwa Poorie
• Chanae & Aaloo ke Tarkari & Achaar
• And wind it up with Kashmiri Tea!

Presenters

Noorain Khalid & Syed Khalid Dastgir started the now famous "Noor's Kitchen" in 2015, initially with one helper and a second hand freezer. Their customers loved the taste , so they decided to take a step forward and introduced authentic dosa in Islamabad at farmers market, and needless to say, it was a super hit! Eventually they opened up a restaurant in 2017 and serve different types of dosas along with halwa poori, nihari, Karachi style bun kababs and so much more!
Not to be missed!

HIKERS: AN OPPRTUNITY NOT TO BE MISSED!

Foreigners: Please check with your organisations: the need for an NOC!

Mukshpuri is the second-highest peak of the Galiyat region and one of the most beautiful tourist attractions throughout the year. During the winter it becomes a winter wonderland with all its glory.
Join us for a 'snow' hike and enjoy the place to the fullest. We meet up at the United Bakery and go together on the chartered Coaster. The hike is not too hard, but the snow will make it challenging. Please come fully prepared!
Some tips that will help you with the hike...
1-Footwear is important. 'Gaiters' can be a good addition to such adventures.
2- Dress in layers.
3- When you are cold, it is tempting to not drink as much, or only drink coffee and hot chocolate. But you’re still sweating under all those layers, and your body needs water and electrolytes. Be sure to take sips of water when you stop. Keep enough water with you.
4- Hiking poles are handy on snow hikes.
Along with the necessary precautions, don't forget to bring cameras as the views will be amazing!

PLAN AHEAD - MARK YOUR CALENDERS!

FOREIGNERS: NOC REQUIRED WELL IN TIME!

Step back in time as we trace the story of one of the Subcontinent’s oldest public companies — Murree Brewery Company Ltd.

Established in 1860 at Ghora Gali, Murree, the brewery was among Asia’s earliest modern enterprises. Its products became popular with British troops stationed in the hills, and over the years, the company expanded to Rawalpindi, Quetta, South India, and Ceylon, winning its first international medal for product excellence at the Philadelphia Exhibition in 1876.

Originally managed by the family of General Reginald Dyer, the company later came under the stewardship of the late Mr. Peshton Bhandara, and is now led by his grandson, Mr. Isphanyar Bhandara.

🏛️ The Gothic-style Ghora Gali Brewery building remained active until the 1940s. Though destroyed during the partition riots of 1947/48, its striking ruins are still visible today as you drive towards Murree, often serving as a backdrop for local films.

As the world marks 250 years of Jane Austen, the Asian Study Group celebrates her enduring legacy with a special evening of readings and reflections! The event will feature a discussion with lovers of Austen's work, and why it resonates with readers in Pakistan today.

We will place excerpts from Austen’s novels side by side with selections from 'Austenistan', a collection of Pakistani short stories inspired by her work, to explore how her themes of love, honour, and society still resonate in South Asia today. Dramatised readings by actors from Theatre Wallay will be a special feature of the evening.

The event may also feature a possible collaboration with the Jane Austen Society of Pakistan, bringing an added local perspective to this cross-cultural literary conversation.

PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATES!!!

Foreigners: Please check need for NOC from your respective organisations

Takht-e-Bahi Buddhist monastery is one of the most impressive and well preserved pieces of Gandhara architecture in Pakistan. It is situated 14 km northwest of Mardan on the road to Swat (2 ½ hour drive from Islamabad). The reputation of Takht-e-Bahi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is based partially on the extraordinarily good state of preservation and partially on its glorious location. The site itself is located on the northern flanks of a rocky spur rising 150 meters (500 ft) above the plains.
On a clear day you can see across the plains as far as Peshawar on one side, and the Malakand pass and the Swat hills on the other. The monastery and stupas were founded on the 1st. Century AD and abandoned in the 7th century AD. You may also enjoy the famous local cuisine of “Chapli Kabab” and tandoori naan from one of the famous kabab shops in Takht-e-Bahi bazaar.
Trip Itinerary
Venue: 7.45 am for sharp 8 am departure.

Assemble: United Bakery, Super Market F-6
Travel on Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway.
Short break on the way (Rest room/ buy refreshments)
Take the road to Mardan.
Arrival at Takht-e-Bahi
Visit the historical site of Takht-e-Bahi along with the local guide
Return to the main road and stop at a local restaurant.
Enjoy lunch of “Chapli Kabab” and tandoori naan/ (or bring your own refreshments).
Departure for Islamabad 3:30 pm/ Arrival at Islamabad at around 6:30 pm.

Film: Ramchand Pakistani (2008) - Pakistan
Language: Urdu/Hindi (with English subtitles)
Director: Mehreen Jabbar
Screenplay: Mohammad Ahmed & Javed Jabbar
Dubai Film Festival: Best Film
Cast: Nandita Das, Rashid Farooqi, Syed Fazal Hussain, Hassan Niazi
A poignant and moving tale which dramatizes a family’s struggle against social and religious discrimination to contextualize the complicated relationship between Pakistan and India.Mehreen Jabbar delicately touches on themes of class barriers without taking sides allowing no judgment or finger pointing which lets us, the viewers, focus instead on the human story.
Adapted from real events, it begins in 2002 when an eight-year-old boy from the ‘’untouchable’’ Hindu Dalit caste in the Thar Desert accidently crosses the Pakistani- Indian border. Precocious young Ramchand (Syed Hassan Fazal), angry at his mother Champa (Nandita Das), runs away from his village and wanders over the border into neighboring India. His father Shankar (Rashid Farooqi) anxiously chases after him but both father and son are captured by the Indian border patrol and jailed. Their fellow detainees are mostly people, who like them, have walked unwittingly across the border and have remained imprisoned for many years, some losing their minds and others losing hope. Meanwhile the distraught Champa refuses to give up hope and waits years for the return of her husband and son. 
Simply told story details the lives of the poor who have been incarcerated due to unmitigated red tape and bureaucracy which, due to tensions between both countries, spells doom for poor people whose lives are spent in waiting. The screenplay follows the day-to-day life of the child as he interacts with other prisoners, the male prison warden and one female warden (Maria Wasti) who is made responsible for the child’s education. She is a mother-figure, but refuses to touch the child because of his low caste...

Please Note: This is instead of the original Thai cuisine programme- postponed due to unavoidable circumstances.

Ever wondered how this special cuisine is different from the food in the Plains? This is your opportunity to find out!

The mesmerizing Hunza Valley sits in the far north of Gilgit Baltistan, a mountainous territory of Pakistan filled with historical places and stunning scenery. The people of Hunza have their own unique traditions, languages, and cuisines- their food in particular is rich in flavor and variety, and it’s totally different from anything you can find in other parts of the country!

Some unique dishes that you will get to taste!

· Dou-Do soup with Mamtu: Noodle soup with dumplings

· Sharbat: With its own unique twist- a wheat and meat dish for special occasions

· Hasburush shapik: Handmade ‘roti’ (bread) filled with cheese/ yoghurt served with almond oil

· A variety of vegetables: presented in a special local style,

· Raita ( a special yoghurt concoction) and salads

· Dirram Phitti: A dessert made by making dough of wheat-flour and baking it over an open fire or an oven, it is naturally sweet without any use of sugar!