Rohtas Fort is a symbol of the determination and strength of its builder, Sher Shah Suri. The fort- 12 km in circumference- is located 110km from Islamabad in a gorge 16 km North West of Jhelum City. This huge fort has 12 gates, remains of old palaces, 68 towers, 3 deep wells and 12 – 18 meters high/3 – 5 meters thick fortification walls. The construction of the fort started in 1543 and took over three years to complete.

The original intent in building the fort was to block possible entry of the Mughal Emperor Humayun, who after his defeat had fled to Iran. The second objective was to punish and defeat the turbulent Gakkhars who had control of the valley and were allies of the Mughals. The fort could not have been more strategically located – protected as it was by ravines and the river Kahan. However, it lost its importance as a frontier garrison when the Mughal Emperor Akbar built the great fort at Attock on the Indus in the 1850s.
Conservation and restoration work is underway at Rohtas to bring back to this great edifice some of its past glory.
Trip Itinerary
7.45 am Assembly Point: In front of United Bakery, Supper Market F-6, Islamabad ( Departure 8 am SHARP)
1030 Short stop at Gujar Khan
1100 Arrival at Rohtas Fort and sightseeing tour of Fort
1330 Free time for lunch (bring your own refreshments)
1500 Departure for Islamabad
1730 Arrival at Islamabad.

In memoriam...

Khwaja Shahid Hosain was- in various chapters of his life- a scholar, bureaucrat, poet, editor, and antiquarian bookstore owner! In his career as an editor, he set 'Pakistani English' poetry on the map through the publication of two anthologies- First Voices and Pieces of Eight.

The evening will feature conversation between his daughter Mehreen Hosain, renowned Urdu poet Iftikhar Arif, and moderator Ilona Yusuf, along with readings of his poems .

Audience participation is welcome!

Apart from his contribution in the field of literature, Khwaja Shahid Hosain in his professional capacity served as DG Pakistan Broadcasting, Director Programmes/ General Manager Operations PTV ,MD :NAFDEC, Federal Secretary Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism & as

Pakistan's Ambassador to UNESCO.

A hike timed for the golden hour before sunset... since we plan to get back in time for 'Iftar '- keeping the month of Ramzan/Ramadan in mind!

" Hiking Pals" invites ASG Members & Guests to a short hike on one of the most beautiful tracks in Islamabad... the back of Saidpur Village on a trail that ascends to the Pir Sohawa road near Monal.

Duration: 60-75 minutes. Easy to medium.

Wear sturdy shoes and don't forget to bring your camera/phone for some spectacular photography!

We will gather at the parking of the Saidpur model village.

Parking lot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/x9qHHCpNpT1oPkSa7

Discover Islamabad early in the morning, during Ramzan/Ramadan!
Riding at night gives a whole new perspective to the city, so step out and become part of the scene- an experience not to be missed... for those of you interested in 'Comparative Cultures' coupled with a bit of adventure, this is an opportunity for you to join in on our very special ‘Pre- Sehri’ ride!
Ramzan/Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, reflection, and community. The annual observance of ‘Ramzan/Ramadan’ is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam and lasts twenty-nine to thirty days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next.

Fasting from dawn to sunset is considered obligatory for all adult Muslims who are not acutely or chronically ill, travelling, elderly etc. The predawn meal is referred to as ‘Sehri' and the evening meal that breaks the fast is called ‘Iftari'. Both periods are characterised by hustle and bustle. Homes & markets are
abuzz with activity and festivity!
For the more adventurous amongst you, we can even stop for a 'Sehri' break at a suitable place!
Route: Flower Market F-7 > Turn left on Parbat Road > Right, then Left onto 7th Ave. > Right towards Margalla Road > Right on Constitution Ave. > From Globe Chowk Back on Constitution Avenue > Marriot Chowk > Agha Khan Road towards F-6 Markaz > School Road > Right on Justice Abdul Rasheed Road, Left on College Road towards F-7 Markaz > Back to Flower Market F-7.
Please Note:
· Bicycle: Must be fully checked with working brakes! Get your bicycle checked a day before the ride.
· If you need a bicycle it can be rented (Members Rs. 750/- Guests Rs. 1000/-) you can collect the bikes directly from AeroCycling (0313-2925478) just show your ASG membership card for special rates!
· Helmets: Strongly advised, for your own safety
· Refreshments: Bring your own/or enjoy the food offerings on the streets!
· Camera/Phone: For preserving your memories!
· Save the number: Of your Ride Coordinator for guidance/assistance regarding route or in case you intend to leave the group halfway during the ride!
· Ride type: Easy
· Bike type: Any
Disclaimer: ASG shall not accept any liability for any injury, loss, or damage incurred from participating in the event.

Film: City of Joy (1992) – UK/France
Language: English
Director: Rolland Joffe
Screenplay: Mark Medoff, based on the book by Dominique Lapierre
Cast: Patrick Swayze, Om Puri, Pauline Collins, Shabana Azmi, Ayesha Dharkar, Art Malik, Iftekhar, Sam Wanamaker
A spiritually sensitive film set in the slums of Calcutta about everyday heroism through the stories of a burnt-out American doctor and a poor Indian rickshaw driver. It is at its best when the director pulls back from the story to capture the squalid pageantry of Calcutta itself: its foul air, its fetid water, its contagious hovels...

Three lives become intertwined in a very poor area of Calcutta. Joan Bethel (Pauline Collins) runs a free clinic there. Max Lowe (Patrick Swayze), a disillusioned American surgeon who is set up, robbed and beaten by some local “godfathers” while on vacation, is treated at her clinic. Hasari Pal (Om Puri), who has brought his family to Calcutta in a desperate search for work after his farm was repossessed during a drought, helps bring the wounded doctor to the clinic. From there, the film’s theme is the conflict between those trying to make a difference and those who want everything to stay just as it is.
The film is an abashed celebration of hope and fraternity and calls attention to some of the important truths in life, the overwhelming disparity between rich and poor, and especially the humanity common to us all.

Language: Mandarin & French with English subtitles

Director: Ang Lee

Screenplay: Ang Lee, James Schamus & Hui-Ling Wang

Awards: Academy Award Nomination : Best Foreign Film

Cast: Sihung Lung, Kuei-Mei Yang, Wang Yu-wen, Chien-lien Wu, Sylvia Chang, Winston Chao, Chen Chao-jung

The story revolves around the Zhu family navigating the challenges of love, life, and family as they transition from tradition to modernity. The story is also about the special emphasis of food in their lives.

A widower, who works as an aging master chef at a hotel, lives a lonely life at home with his three single daughters. The old man is a great chef but a lousy communicator, and has no clue about what is going on in the lives of his daughters.However, the only way he can communicate with his daughters is via the ritualized Sunday feast he prepares every week. He would like to see them married but is too repressed to talk about it, and they would like to leave the house but don’t know how to.

The film comes alive during vivid scenes of exotic food being prepared as the chef uses cooking as an act of control, as a ritual, as the last language left to man who has lost the ability to communicate with his family. The love the father feels for his daughters is manifested in the complexities of the dishes he prepares for them. As the daughters gain strength to reveal their plans to depart from home it is the old man who instead shocks them with his own plans which frees his daughters from their obligation...

Adventure Club, Hiking & Archeology – ‘TILLA JOGIAN’ - SALT RANGE
A day trip/ hike

Alberuni in his travelogue “Kitab ul Hind” has mentioned the legendry ‘Tilla Jogian’ (Peak of Jogis) near Jhelum as the center of Jogis (Ascetics). This centuries old monastery of Jogis was in existence when Alexander the great fought the famous battle with Raja Porus near this ‘Tilla’ in 326 BC. It has also been known as ‘Tilla Gorakh Nath’ and ‘Tilla Bal Nath’ at different times. The remnants of the monastery and shrine still exist like a big pond with balconies, masonry tombs, places for meditation, and banyan trees among others.

Tilla Jogian is the highest peak in the Salt Range 3200 feet above sea level. It offers a panoramic view of the Potohar plateau and splendid scenic beauty throughout the trip. We will travel on the G T road and then about 35km off-GT road to reach (via Domaili & Gattat villages) at the village ‘Bheet’ located at the base of Tilla Jogian mountain. One-way travel time is about two hours. The hill is quite steep and after a maximum one & half hour’s moderate to strenuous hike, we shall reach at the top of hill.

Ramzan (or Ramadan) is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims globally as a time for deep spiritual reflection, prayer, fasting (from dawn to sunset), charity, and community, marking when the Quran was first revealed. Dates vary yearly as it follows the lunar cycle, often beginning with moon sighting, with festivals like Eid al-Fitr at its end.
The Dawoodi Bohras are a religious denomination within the Ismā'īlī branch of Shia Islam. They number approximately one million worldwide and have settled in over 40 countries around the world. Sizable congregations reside in Pakistan, India ,Yemen, East Africa, and the Middle East. They also have a growing presence in Europe, North America, and Australia. The community  is well-educated and professionally are traders, business persons, entrepreneurs and professionals .
The word "Bohra" comes from the Gujarati word vohrvu or vyavahar, meaning "to trade". The Bohra community during  gatherings eat in groups of eight, seated around a large steel platter called a thaal.
Programme
Owais and Munira will showcase their community’s cuisine The special Ramzan menu will include opening the ‘FAST’ with Iftar dates, biscuits and tea or shabbat followed by the traditional dinner starting with a pinch of salt, delving into Halwa, then the starters and main food. The starters will be chicken wrap, chilli poppers,mini dossa, fish Kabab, pani puri followed by chicken curry, biryani and other delicious Bohra dishes. Some dishes will be demonstrated and others served along with a cultural briefing.

Shah Allah Ditta caves and few more miles up to the Losar Baoli are two historic sites in the Margalla Hills

Archaeological evidence indicates that the caves and the platform-like formations surrounding the area were first used for meditation by Buddhist monks and later by Hindu sadhus before Muslim ascetics took over during the Mughal period.

Marked on the ground close to the caves the location where Alexander arrived and was received by Raja Ambi, King of Taxila. The road next to the caves that leads to the main top of the mountain, Shah Allah Ditta road, is said to be built on the exact path followed by Pashtun emperor Sher Shah Suri during his visit.

Moving up the mountain from the caves, there is a stepwell called Losar Baoli. The Baoli is thought to have been constructed by the Emperor Sher Shah Suri in order to facilitate the caravans moving towards Kabul via Taxila. The Ride is a slightly tough but very scenic on the uphill stretch towards Losar Baoli.

Those who don’t want to attempt the last uphill part can wait or return from the Shah Allah Ditta caves. Do inform the coordinators if you are turning back.

Discover Paper Miracles & Sunny Miracles!

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. You will also get to try your own hand at making paper beads!

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!

Event Programme

Part 1: 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

Part 2: Optional Creative Workshop

Bracelet Making Workshop

Design and create your own one-of-a-kind paper bead bracelet using Paper Miracles beads. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, this is a perfect opportunity to make a thoughtful, handmade gift for a loved one, or a meaningful keepsake for yourself.

Workshop Fee: PKR 1,200 ( Please register separately for this with Mehreen Jaswal +447951571539 (Whatsapp) or 0300 0559625.