Angela Fisher in her fascinating book 'Africa Adorned' writes:

"For the peoples of Africa, beads of precious metals,bronze,brass,glass,bone,shell and clay play an important role in the adornment of the body and home. In addition, glass beads,brought from Persia and China by Arab traders,and later from Europe by the Portuguese,were widely used as a form of barter...'

Rehana Fazli -during her stay in Africa and travels around the globe as a Diplomat's wife- developed a passion for beads.

Calling her amazing collection "TAAZLI": The Table Jewellery, the creative and talented entrpreneur will share her expertise and interpertation of 'Africa Adorned'.

Self drive/ car pooling

Foreigners: The area is just outside the Islamabad boundary so NOC is not required-but best to check and confirm with your agencies!

Winter is here and it's the best time to enjoy long walks in the Hills. This time we are taking you to explore a beautiful valley in the Margallas. It is near Sangada (3 km from PirSohawa).

We will split into two groups.

Group 1: We will explore a little further into the valley and turn back. This is an easy hike which can be done by anyone.

Group 2: The climbing part which is a little tougher. We will climb up to Makhniyal and return via the road or trail back to the start point.

Wear sturdy shoes and bring refreshments

Museums are repositories of a nations’ heritage and serve as show-windows of their cultural heirlooms spread over centuries...

Did you know we have a gem of a museum in Islamabad?

The Islamabad Museum, established by the Department of Archeology and Museum, is located in the Sir Syed Memorial Building and displays the the Heritage of Pakistan- its pre-history, the Indus Civilization, the Iron Age, the Gandhara Civilization, the Hindu Shahi Period and the Islamic Period.There are plans to add segments on the Pakistan Movement depicting the period 1857 to 1947, as well as on Islamic Art & Culture. The oldest artifact in the Museum is a hand axe discovered in Rawat 30 kilometers from Islamabad, aged 2 million years!

The Government of South Korea has generously offered to construct a Virtual Reality Cinema also within the museum premises in the next few months!

Programme

6:00PM: Meet and Greet

6:20- 7:00PM: The Gandhara Civilization and Pakistan as a pilgrimage destination-Introduction & documentary

7:00 pm onwards:

• Exploring the Islamabad Museum: Dr. Abdul Ghafoor.
• You will also have the opportunity to visit an art exhibition: Everything is Going Upside Down- curated by Mr. Usman Ahmed- a group show celebrating an unwavering optimism exhibited by emerging artists, who employ humor and art as their tools to navigate adversity!

Cricket is the most played, watched, and admired sport in Pakistan. It isn't just a game, it's the beating heart of the nation!

Played in bustling streets and buzzing bazaars for over seventy years, the journey of Pakistani cricket weaves a colorful tapestry of Pakistan's story. The cricket team serves as a symbol of pride, transcending cultural and ethnic boundaries to bring people together...

Hasan and Safa, cricket enthusiasts- hailing from Islamabad- believe that no other sphere of life articulates Pakistan’s history, culture and society more precisely than cricket. Their presentation-reflecting how cricket mirrors culture- explores the history of cricket, from its humble origins to match-fixing controversies, and Pakistan’s unique contributions to the sport.

Please Note: Foreigners requested to check if NOC’s required

(Some parts of the area are in Haripur District of KP).

Given the season and the stunning autumn scenery , we invite you to join us on a very special nature walk through the scenic Margalla Hills, along the ancient 'Alexander's Route'.

As we trek through the area, you will be briefed on the indigenous wildlife, local flora, history, heritage / ancient cultures, and the environmental impacts of deforestation in the region. Birds and other forest dwellers- unique to this area will welcome you, and a very special floral variety -unique to the Margalla Hills National Park- will be in full bloom !

We will travel to the base camp at Gharyala- next to the famous 'Buddha Caves', and from there to the Kenthla mountain top.

After reaching the track at Papran De Khoe, we will go for a 120 minutes nature trek- (and perhaps a bit further) through the uniquely dense Papran and Pine tree forests, and complete the 3 km loop, with two water springs on the way!

As we walk along the route, we will also be able to observe signs of mining in the region and fossils preserved from various geologic ages. This is also an opportunity to stop at Alexander’s well (reputedly dug by Alexander’s army) and check out the oldest mango tree- unique to this region!

On the way back, we will take a pit stop at an outdoor restaurant ‘Sadhu’s Retreat’ to relax. (Refreshments on order will be available at the retreat- though You are encouraged to bring your own refreshments ).

Don’t forget to wear sturdy walking shoes and dress appropriately keeping weather conditions in mind!

Cycling – GOLRA RAILWAY STATION & THE HERITAGE RAILWAY MUSEUM

A mighty steam locomotive that used to haul luxury coaches across the scenic routes of the plains of Punjab and the rolling hills of the North West, a well- appointed Museum housing artifacts of pre- partition days, will take you on a nostalgic journey of days gone by...

Located on the outskirts of Islamabad, Golra Sharif Junction Railway was established in 1882 during British rule and upgraded as a Junction in 1912. Numerous old Banyan trees and the Railway Station with its Victorian architecture in yellow stone masonry, is considered a prime heritage site!

Those of you that are not cycling enthusiasts but would like to visit the Station, please coordinate with the Coordinators of the Cycling Group!

Those returning during the ride please inform the coordinators.

• Route: F-9 park >Khayaban-e-Iqbal / Margalla Road > E-11 Service Rd West ->Golra Rd. ->Golra Railway station> Back to starting point
• Helmets: Strongly advised, for your own safety
• Refreshments: Bring your own for a picnic at the site
• 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: Medium/Bike Type: Any
• Disclaimer: ASG shall not accept any liability for any injury, loss, or damage incurred from participating in the event.

Non- Members: For further information contact ASG Office: 051-2802343 Thursday- Saturday : 11 am- 2 pm

Please Note: The area is outside Islamabad: Foreigners/ diplomats will require an NOC to participate.
Miranjani at 2980m (9800ft) is the highest mountain of the Galiyat region. The hike is around 5Km long (one way) and has stunning views of the beautiful valleys and the Himalayas of Kashmir. If lucky, we may get a glimpse of the mighty Nanga Parbat from the top. We will take the road via Murree and it will take us about an hour and a half to reach Nathia gali from where the hike will start.
Our transport will be coaster with limited seats.
Wear sturdy shoes; Dress appropriately.It is recommended to bring your own refreshments and not rely on the local vendor
Don’t forget your camera/phone for some special memories!
Hike Rating is Hard (the same as Trail 3 hike) with a distance of around 10Km for the complete loop.

Non- Members: For further information contact ASG Office: 051-2802343 Thursday- Saturday : 11 am- 2 pm

Foreign members interested to join this trip are requested to apply for their NOC well in time.

Swat is without doubt one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the northern Pakistan. With a rich historical past. It was described as “Udyana”(the garden) in ancient Hindu epics . In 327 BC, Alexander the Great fought and won some of his major battles here before crossing over to the plains of the five rivers- the Punjab.. The famous Gandhara Buddhist civilization later flourished in this valley.

There are many remains of Buddhist stupas, monasteries and settlements in the lower Swat. The area is full of rich and amazing archaeological sites in an environment still intact and dominated by the calm majesty of Mount Ilam. In the area south of Barikot, in about 200 sq km, archeologists have documented more than 400 sites from proto-history to Islam.

Under a joint venture, Italian ACT- Field School Project and Sustainable Tourism Foundation Pakistan is working jointly to promote community based ecotourism in the area of Lower Swat Valley. We have designed a very special three days archaeological exploration trip to lower Swat .The trip involve some easy hiking to reach to the view points on archaeological sites so dress appropriately & wear good comfortable walking shoes!

Detailed trip joining instructions will be issued to the confirm trip participants well in time.

Trip Itinerary

Day-1

• Departure from Islamabad at 07:30 am
• En-route commentary about sites of tourist interest on the way.
• Visit archaeological site of Takht-e-Bahi near Mardan
• Lunch: (carry pack lunch with you to save time)
• Visit archaeological site of Bazira near Barikot
• Continue travel towards Mingora/Saidu Sharif
• Visit Shingardar Stupa.
• Arrival at Mingora/Saidu Sharif in the evening.
• Transfer to hotels.
• Dinner and night stay at hotel.

Day-2

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Visit Swat Museum
• Visits Batkara Stupa
• Visit Jahanabad Buddha
• Visit shops of handicrafts en route.
• Lunch at hotel along Swat river
• Return to hotel for rest and freshen up
• Departure for visit to Muraghzar to visit White Place of Wali Swat
• Return to hotel and dinner and night stay at hotel.

Day-3

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Check out from hotel
• Departure for return travel to Islamabad.
• Arrival Udegram
• Visit archaeological sites of Sultan Mahmood Ghaznavi’s Mosque
• Visit remains of Raja Gira’s Castle (short hike involved)
• Visit Galeghai cave and Buddha image on rock along the road.
• Departure for Amluk-dara Stupa.
• Visit Amluk-dara Stupa
• (Carry pack Lunch to save time)
• Return to main road
• Stop en-route for tea and freshen up
• Departure for Islamabad.

Estimated time of arrival of group at Islamabad at around 6:30 pm.

'Baaji' -

Director: Saqib Malik

Rating: Adults Only (no one under 18 allowed)

Screenplay: Irfan Ahmed Urfi

Cast: Meera, Amna Ilyas, Osman Khalid Butt, Ali Kazmi, Nisho, Mohsin Abbas Haider, Nayyar Ejaz, Mehwish Hayat, Aamir Qureshi, Angeline Malik, Ali Azmat, Mustafa Qureshi, Humayun Saeed, Sania Saeed

Irfan Ahmed Urfi's female-centric screenplay revolves around the relationship between two very different women who bond as friends but jealousy and intrigue shatters their friendship resulting in tragedy..every dream has a price !

A poor but ambitious young woman (Amna Ilyas) -from the 'other side of the tracks' (the old city in Lahore)- by chance becomes an assistant to a glamorous movie queen (Meera) whose popularity is seriously on the wane.

Desperate to regain her position as star, she accepts an offer as the leading lady in a film by a hot new director (Osman Khalid Butt) just returned from America. Both women fall for him leading to a love triangle that wrings itself into a frenzy of lust, longing, desire, treachery and ultimately murder.

Amna Ilyas gives a superbly nuanced performance balancing her two very different lives - as the poor woman living in a cramped house in the old city, who transforms into a confident do-gooder thanks to her new job as friend, confidante and advisor to her rich benefactress ,while living in a huge modern mansion. Lollywood star Meera, making a comeback on the big screen, easily captures the star quality of a famous screen diva, as she moves stealthily across the screen stunningly dressed in high fashion. The entire cast - many appearing in small cameo parts - provide superb support to the two main characters. The film incorporates two memorable classic songs - ''Yeh Aaj Mujh Ko Kya Hua'' & ''Oh, Don't be Silly' - giving them a modern upbeat tempo.

The film's most memorable moment comes during the rap ''item'' number - ''Gangster Guriya'' - danced by actress-singer Mehwish Hayat, while many famous Pakistani celebrities from the world of fashion, music, television and cinema make cameo appearances.

Saqib Malik, a long-time movie buff and a successful director of music videos, makes his celebrated debut as a film director. The plot incorporates many vivid movie-going memories from past films and superbly placed contemporary Pakistani pop culture. The film has been recognised at numerous International film festivals and some of the top Award platforms in Pakistan.

Non- Members: For further information contact ASG Office: 051-2802343 Thursday- Saturday : 11 am- 2 pm

Join us for an exclusive programme : the ‘Leopard Trail’ in the Leopard Preservation Zone- a unique biodiversity spot nestled in the Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP) Islamabad.

The guided tour is a rare opportunity for nature enthusiasts . Unique insights -by experts in the field -regarding leopards and their habitat !

With scenic views, serene nature and a barely touched ecosystem, this trail is located in the heart of Leopard territory, which means that there are good chances of spotting leopards, deer and other wildlife!

Since we intend to witness wildlife up close, we will be accompanied and guided by trained staff of MHNP who will tell us about their experiences with the leopards, their nature, habitat and recordings from trap cameras and about the other wildlife in the newly formed Leopard Preservation Zone. The programme will end with a projector documentary about the new trail and wildlife in MHNP.

The hike is approximately 2 Km, we suggest that you use a mosquito repellant, wear full-sleeved clothes and sturdy shoes.

Non- Members: For further information contact ASG Office: 051-2802343 Thursday- Saturday: 11 am- 2 pm