Celebrating the season of joy, peace, and goodwill!

Highlighting interfaith harmony and unity the Islamabad Christian Fellowship (ICF) invites you to a special heartwarming Christmas carol and tableau event to celebrate the community's invaluable contributions in areas like music, art, education, and medicine!

A day trip
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
09.00 Departure from Islamabad
1000 Arrival at Taxila. Visit Taxila Museum
11.15 Visit archaeological sites of Sirkap and Julian Monastery
13.30 Rest stop for Lunch
14.30 Visit remains of Dharmarajika Stupa
15.30 Short stay en-route for shopping of crafts of stones and clay.
16.00 Departure for a Home destination.
17.30 approx. Arrival at Islamabad.

For music lovers, a rare opportunity...join us at this very special event !

The exceptionally talented Sheeza Maqsood's piano journey started when she was about 8 years old! She received her initial piano education and ear training from her father, Mr. Maqsood and went on to learn music reading from Ms. Ri Sook Lee, and then higher classical training from Ms. Sarah Torbay.

Currently she runs a very popular piano studio and has trained over 100 foreign and Pakistani students.

In a highly competitive online piano competition:' Golden Piano Talents'-North Macedonia, she has been awarded:

1. First Prize - Piano lovers category

2. Third Prize - Classical Piano Category

This special presentation for the Asian Study Group- her second solo piano concert in Islamabad- will include:

1. Fantaise Impromptu- F.Chopin

2. Sonata in F minor - D.Scarlatti

3. Liebstraume No.3 - F.Liszt

4. Moonlight Sonata 3rd movement - Mozart

5. God Father Theme

6. Nocturne in E flat major - Chopin

7. Pasoori - Ali Sethi and Xulfi

8. Jardin Secret - Paul de Senneville

9. Waltz No. 2 - Dimtri Shostakovich

10. Jab Koi Bat Bigar Jaye

11. Echoes of Hope - Sheeza Maqsood

12. Tukish March -

W.A Mozart

• In collaboration with Serena Hotel. (In case of change of venue: IFWA Hall . You will be informed)

In conversation with Umber Khairi: Baya Benhassine

In her first novel, a taut newsroom thriller, “Akbar in Wonderland”, Umber delves into Akbar's life- a journalist in 1990's Karachi -who gets caught up with politics and media intrigues….

Umber Khairi - a 'Karachite’ herself- is a writer, columnist, former BBC producer, and co-founder of the independent, journalist-owned magazine ‘Newsline’. A graduate of Princeton University, she has worked as a journalist in Pakistan and the UK since the 1980s, and was a producer and radio broadcaster at the BBC World Service in London- for almost two decades. Her weekly column, ‘UK Calling’, has featured in The News on Sunday since 1998 and she contributes occasionally to other publications including ‘Dawn’, ‘Naya Daur’ and ‘The Circuit.’

She now runs a Lecture Series on journalism in partnership with the IBA's Center for Excellence in Journalism (CEJ).

As we hike along the Margalla Ridge from Pir Sohawa, a narrow and curvy stretch of the scenic Pharilla track offers pine trees, small streams, and a panoramic view of the nearby areas.

An old forest rest house from the British Era is located at Pharilla, approximately 8Km from Pir Sohawa. It was maintained by the CDA until a big forest fire destroyed it a couple of years ago. It still provides a perfect picnic spot!

• We will gather at the meeting point
• Travel as a convoy to the starting point
• We will park our cars at Dino Valley parking.
• Distance: 18Km round trip (from/to Pir Shoawa)
• Elevation Gain: 450m
• Hike Rating: Strenuous (because of the distance)
• Wear sturdy shoes; bring refreshments. Also do not forget your camera/phone as you do not want to miss taking shots of the beautiful views!

Please Note: People who have not registered will not be allowed to join the hike.

Director: Yimou Zhang

Screenplay: Zhihong Bian, Yimou Zhang  & Nan Wu

Academy Award Nomination:Best Costume Design

Cast: Chow Yun-Fat, Gong Li, Jay Chou, Ye Liu, Dahong Li, Man Li

If you like to be dazzled, this movie is your treat. The music and script richly augment the drama. The artworks are endless mosaics without repeating. This is China in all the pageantry, in an age before the ages. Everything is in accordance with physical laws, while mystery and intrigue are the principal game...

‘The Curse of the Golden Flower’ was the most opulent, visually astonishing film to grace movie theatres . It fused high drama and romantic intrigue with the best of contemporary martial arts. Set in the lavish and breathtakingly colorful world hidden from the eyes of mere mortals, a tale of a royal family divided against itself builds to a mythic climax as lines are crossed, trust is betrayed, and family blood is spilled in the quest for redemption and revenge...

Set in the late 10th century, during China’s 10th. Century Tang Dynasty, Curse of the Golden Flower follows the complex and tragic power struggles that occur within the Forbidden City.

The Emperor (Chow Yun-Fat), who has just returned in time for the annual Chrysanthemum Festival, rules both the palace and his family with an iron fist and unpredictable will. The Empress (Gong Li) chafes under the Emperor’s disdainful, patronizing authority, as their marriage is a purely political one. What’s more, she’s afflicted with a strange ailment that, despite the constant attention of her husband’s physician, has suddenly grown worse.

The Emperor’s three sons by his previous wife only add to the strife. The oldest son, Crown Prince Wan (Liu Ye), is in line to succeed his father, though he is little in the way of a ruler. He yearns to be free of the palace and his father’s rule, as well as the attention of the Empress, with whom he has had an illicit affair. The middle son, Jai (Jay Chou), seems to be the Emperor’s favorite, having served many years in the military, but his close relationship with the Empress clouds his loyalties. The youngest son, Yu (Qin Junjie), is on the cusp of manhood, and seems completely oblivious to all of the familial turmoil surrounding him...

As the Chrysanthemum Festival approaches, and the multitudes of palace staff busy themselves with the preparations, the pressure and hatred continues to heat up within the family’s quarter. The Empress’s condition continues to worsen until a mysterious spy confirms her worst suspicions: the Emperor has slowly been poisoning her, ostensibly so that he can remove her influence from the palace and gain her family’s wealth and power. Realizing her back is up against the wall, the Empress begins to plot her move against the seemingly omnipresent Emperor, whose eyes, ears, and assassins are in every corner of the country. But what of the princes? Who will side with her, and who will betray her? And who is the mysterious woman who alerted her to the poison?

The 'Bohra' cuisine-while blending in with local tastes- is known for its unique taste . It is influenced by Gujarati, Persian, Yemeni, and Egyptian cooking styles...

The Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community lives in over 40 countries- moving from Yemen to Indian Gujrat and then -after partition- to various cities of Pakistan, mainly Karachi, Hyderabad, Rawalpindi. Traditionally, a meal starts with a pinch of salt to clear the gut, cleansing the palate and helps fight several diseases! The dishes are served in a large round thaal (platter) with 8-10 people eating from it, mostly seated on the floor...

We have selected some of the most popular items for you including: Adla Soft Chunks of Beef on Bone with green masala, Khow Suey Chicken (an adopted Burmese dish) , Moong Pulao Beef, Stuffed Capsicum with Potato, Uttapam served with masala potatoes, beetroot halwa etc.

Some of these dishes will be demonstrated and others served along with a cultural briefing and history about the community!

• Guest Presenters: Munira and Owais of 'Moni’s Food'- a catering service based in Rawalpindi- cater to the community, and others with a taste and appreciation for this popular cuisine!

'BOHRA' CUISINE- CELEBRATING DIVERSE CULINARY TRADITIONS!

The 'Bohra' cuisine-while blending in with local tastes- is known for its unique taste . It is influenced by Gujarati, Persian, Yemeni, and Egyptian cooking styles...

The Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community lives in over 40 countries- moving from Yemen to Indian Gujrat and then -after partition- to various cities of Pakistan, mainly Karachi, Hyderabad, Rawalpindi. Traditionally, a meal starts with a pinch of salt to clear the gut, cleansing the palate and helps fight several diseases! The dishes are served in a large round thaal (platter) with 8-10 people eating from it, mostly seated on the floor...

We have selected some of the most popular items for you including: Adla Soft Chunks of Beef on Bone with green masala, Khow Suey Chicken (an adopted Burmese dish) , Moong Pulao Beef, Stuffed Capsicum with Potato, Uttapam served with masala potatoes, beetroot halwa etc.

Some of these dishes will be demonstrated and others served along with a cultural briefing and history about the community!

• Guest Presenters: Munira and Owais of 'Moni’s Food'- a catering service based in Rawalpindi- cater to the community, and others with a taste and appreciation for this popular cuisine!

Join us for a unique experience as we explore the magnificent big Banyan Tree at Sinyari. Located at the base of the Margalla Hills, it is believed to be over a thousand years old! It stands as a testament to nature's resilience and beauty, offering a serene escape into the wilderness of the Margalla Hills!

Did you know that a banyan tree can roughly grow up to 2000 years ? It has an interesting mechanism of expanding. From the branches of the trees, rope like structures called boughs fall towards the ground -and upon touching the ground- they become a branch... this way the tree keeps expanding even long after the death of the original tree!

Myths pertaining to Banyan trees are commonly found in almost all of the Sub- continental cultural/ religious traditions.

Seals dating back to Mohenjadaro also depict the Banyan tree, leading researchers to conclude that the reverence of the Banyan trees in Hinduism could have been borrowed from the indigenous religion of the Indus valley. With its a semi-divine status in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions people come and pray to the Banyan tree to get the blessings of the spirit. The Buddhists believe that it was under a Banyan tree that Buddha attained enlightenment and that is why they call it Bodhi tree meaning ‘tree of enlightenment'- a symbol for Buddha himself...

Instructions for participation:

• Assemble at the Khyber Gate of the F-9 Park (on Margalla Road). Cyclists, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts will come together for a brief introduction and safety instructions.
• From there the caravan will depart for the Big Banyan Tree, located just a couple of kilometers from the park.
• Cyclists will enjoy a leisurely ride through scenic route, while the other participants will drive to the location.
• Upon arrival, we will take time to explore and appreciate the grandeur of this ancient tree. Participants can learn about its history, ecological significance, and the biodiversity of the surrounding area.
• For those interested in further exploration, a short hike into the forest will be organized. This hike will offer an opportunity to discover more of the natural beauty of the Margalla Hills.
• After the hike, we will gather back at the Big Banyan Tree for a closing discussion and group photo before heading back to F-9 Park.

What to Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
• Refreshments/Water
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• Binoculars and cameras for the tree & wildlife observation
• A small backpack for personal items

With a career spanning over 30 years ,Gonzalo Ruiz Navarro is a celebrated Spanish artist renowned for his impressionist oil and pastel paintings. His exceptional work has not only garnered numerous awards but has also been showcased in prestigious galleries across the United States, Europe, and most recently at the PNCA, Pakistan.

Gonzalo’s artistic journey began with his studies in Fine Arts in Spain, and since then, he has participated in 55 exhibitions. In addition to his artistic achievements, Gonzalo has devoted over 26 years to teaching painting through classes, lectures, and workshops.

We are privilged to have him with us to share his insights and experiences!