Literature buffs...this evening is specially for you!

Published in February 2025, Muneeza Shamsie’s anthology 'In the New Century' follows the twentieth century’s 'A Dragonfly in the Sun'. It is a rich and comprehensive feast of various genres of writing- both prose and poetry- from Pakistani writers in English here and in the diaspora.

Curated by Fizza Hasan and Ilona Yusuf, this evening introduces the book and its editor, and showcases a set of readings, featuring both prose and poetry.

Step away from the crowds and discover the untouched beauty of Karor Valley on an unforgettable day trip into the mountains!

Tucked between Kotli Sattiyan and Murree, Karor Valley is a true hidden gem — a peaceful landscape of sweeping mountain views and fragrant pine forests. This journey offers a rare opportunity to experience nature in its purest form, far from the bustle of popular tourist spots.

Along the way, we’ll pause at several fascinating locations, including the scenic Simli Dam viewpoint for spectacular water and mountain vistas, and the historic Chawan Forest Rest House, where colonial-era charm still lingers. We’ll also explore nearby historic structures, quiet reminders of a bygone time, including intriguing abandoned poultry sheds.

The highlight of our adventure is the recently renovated Aryari-Karore Fire Watch Tower. Once vital for monitoring forest fires and protecting the region’s natural resources, these towers stand as guardians of the mountains. Reaching the summit is an experience in itself, a rugged ridge-top drive followed by a short 10–15 minute forest trek. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views stretching across the valley.

Here, you can soak in the serenity of towering pines, breathe in the crisp mountain air, enjoy peaceful meditation, wander at your own pace, and capture the beauty of nature through photography!

Important Notes

• Help us preserve the valley’s natural beauty — please avoid littering and respect the environment.
• Bring sufficient refreshments!
• Wear sturdy walking shoes and dress approriately-according to the weather.

Foreigners: Please check your organisation for NOC requirements

Taxila or Takhkhasilā, (City of Cut Stone" in Sanskrit) is a significant archaeological site in the modern city of the same name in Punjab. It lies about 35 km north-west of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, just off the famous Grand Trunk Road.
Ancient Taxila situated at the pivotal junction of the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia was an important city in the Kingdom of Gandhara. The origin of Taxila as a city goes back to 1000 BCE. Owing to its strategic location and with many empires vying for its control, it has changed hands many times over the centuries, Bactrian Greeks, Parthians, Scythians, and Kushans ruled the area in turn, developing a unique art fusing east and west known as Gandhara.
By some accounts, ‘Jaulian’- the University of Ancient Taxila was considered to be one of the earliest universities in the world. Ashoka, the great Mauryan leader, a Viceroy at Taxila became a Buddhist and interred some of Buddha’s ashes at Dharmarajika Stupa. From Taxila, Buddhism flourished and spread to Central Asia and on to Tibet, China, and Japan.
When the great ancient trade routes connecting these regions ceased to be important, the city sank into insignificance and was finally destroyed by the nomadic Huns in the 5th century.
The renowned archaeologist Sir Alexander Cunningham rediscovered the ruins of Taxila in the mid-19th century. In 1980, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Trip Itinerary
0900 Departure from Islamabad ((Assembly Point: In front of United Bakery, Supper Market F-6, Islamabad at 8:45 a.m.)
1000 Arrival at Taxila. Visit Taxila Museum
1115 Visit archaeological sites of Sirkap and Jaulian Monastery
1330 Rest stop for Lunch
1430 Visit remains of Dharmarajika Stupa
1530 Short stay en-route for shopping of crafts of stones and clay.
1600 Departure
1730 approx. Arrival at Islamabad.

Mark your Calendars!

Join us in celebrating Asian Study Group's 53 years in Islamabad!

Details of programme will be shared!

• In collaboration with Serena Hotel, Islamabad

Language: Arabic with English subtitles
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Screenplay: Kaouther Ben Hania

Cast: Saja Kilani, Motaz Malhees, Amer Hlehel, Clara Khoury, Nesbet Serhan, Ramy Brahem, Firas Khoury, Ali Talel Yacoub
Awards: Academy Award Nomination for Best International Feature Film.

• “The Voice of Hind Rajab” has won around 10 awards so far. It earned the Grand Jury Prize at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival plus six parallel awards: ARCA CinemaGiovani, CICT‑UNESCO Enrico Fulchignoni, Croce Rossa Italiana, Edipo Re, Leoncino d’Oro, Sorriso Diverso Venezia, and UNIMED. It also snagged the Audience Award at San Sebastián, the Grand Prize at Film Fest Gent, a Jury Award at Chicago International Film Festival, the Brizzola Family Foundation Award at Hamptons, and the Cinema for Peace Dove at the Cinema for Peace Awards.

A taut docu-drama that combines real-life imagery and sounds to create a haunting depiction of war. A harrowing portrait of an attempted rescue that is captivating and emotionally intense.
The film unfolds like a thriller by following the drama in a call center in almost real time. A man receives a dispatch at the Red Crescent call center. It is a request from a man in Germany desperate for the Palestinian response center to connect with his brother in Gaza, who is trapped in a car with his family. The call is heeded and the man briefly connects with a young woman in the car. She frantically mentions that tanks are beside them and that Israeli soldiers are shooting. She screams in horror as bullets pop violently and the call goes dead. When the man calls back to ease his fear that the worst has happened, a little girl answers the phone. She is six years old. Her name is Hind. She is alone, and very scared.
The film uses the real audio recording of the heart-wrenching voice of Hind Rajab, while fictionally reconstructing the drama of the emergency responders in the call-center office, with real people played by actors, talking, shouting and emoting in response to the voice of the little girl...

Note: NOC will be required for foreigners/ diplomats

Patriata and Kotli Sattian -on the eastern side of Murree Hills- present some of the most beautiful places for exploring nature. Due to the proximity to Murree which is the central point of activity for tourists, this area has fortunately remained less explored!

There is an old track that connects Kotli Sattian to Patriata through the hills. The track passes through Phofandi -a hilltop near Kotli Sattian and on a clear day, it presents spectacular views of the Himalayas in the East!

The coaster will drop us off at Burj - near Kotli Sattian- and pick us up at the Patriata top.

Wear sturdy shoes; bring sufficient refreshments/ water. We will picnic at the Phofandi Top!

Hike Rating: Moderate with a distance of around 8 km

The heritage site and the beautiful serene looking railway station has become one of the centerpieces of the 'Railway image' in the country !
The Golra Railway Station was established in 1882 during British rule and upgraded as junction in 1912. It was the logistics artery of British India during the Afghan military campaigns at the turn of the twentieth century. It is still operational but is not frequent to many trains. Situated southwest of Islamabad at the altitude of 1,994 feet, its magnificent building has Victorian architecture and is composed of yellow stone masonry. The station that once linked Peshawar, Kohat,Havelian and Multan now enjoys more importance due to its museum.
The Railway Heritage Museum was established in October 2003. From relics dating back to the inception of railways in the Subcontinent by the British, to memorabilia depicting the creation of the museum are housed and preserved in this heritage site. It contains artifacts reflecting history of railways over a period of more than 150 years including almost 100 years of undivided India.It also boasts of a special collection of memorabilia from different periods in time from the British Raj to the occupation of Indian-held railway station during the 1965 war with India. An open yard displays a wide array of relics which have become extinct on the railway lines around the world. The steam and electric locomotives, a German postal car, a saloon car used by the last Lord Mountbatten, and another 1888 saloon car belonging to the Maharaja of Jodhpur made at the Ajmer Sharif Carriage Workshop from the Jodhpur railways, given as a wedding present to his daughter.
Route: F-9 park > Khayaban-e-Iqbal / Margalla Road > E-11 Service Rd West > Golra Rd. > Golra Railway station> Back to starting point

Get ready for a flavor explosion...Welcome to Madam's Pantry!

Join us for an immersiv experience showcasing the bold flavors and vibrant traditions of Mexico !

Naureen, the entrepreneur behind this culinary journey, is thrilled to share the vibrant tastes of Mexico with you. Joining her is her talented daughter-in-law, and together they will take you on a delicious adventure through the heart of this unique cuisine!

Some iconic dishes- among others- that you will get the opportunity to enjoy...Quesadilla (chicken), Burrito Bowl, Mexican street corn, Tres Leches cake ...and more !

Come and experience the inspiring work of Miracles Trust through its flagship initiatives: Paper Miracles and Sunny Miracles where creativity, sustainability, and livelihoods come together!

Learn how waste paper is transformed into beautiful handmade paper bead products through Paper Miracles, and about these very special women whose skills and creativity bring these pieces to life. At the same time, discover how Sunny Miracles is changing lives through innovative green technology, using solar dryers to preserve fruits and vegetables. Enjoy a tasting of delicious solar-dried produce and treats, including halva and pakoras made from solar-dried fruits and vegetables!

Miracles Overview, Tour & Experience

Sunny Miracles overview:

· Introduction & tasting of solar-dried fruits and vegetables

Paper Miracles introduction

· Screening of the Paper Miracles Beneficiaries Documentary

· Paper beads making demonstration

· Introduction to Colours of Pakistan

· Guided tour of the Paper Miracles workshop

Foreigners: Please check for NOC requirement.

Travel in convoy

An exciting new venture and a rare opportunity to discover Islamabad and its environs!

We will visit the fabulous Raza Farms -located in Tumair village- and walk around the farm and gardens. As you fill up your basket with vegetables and fruits, you will be briefed about plantation, timings and maturity of the fruits and vegetables by our very gracious hosts.

Special Chefs will then convert your collected fruits & vegetables into a delicious menu for you! (If you like you can also be part of the cooking experience!)
As we wait for our meal to be prepared- and as an added bonus for our avid and keen gardeners- Azra Raza will share a short presentation on farming techniques and on how to prepare chemical free pesticides from natural compounds!