A MUST WATCH!

An ongoing revival of Pakistani Cinema

Subtitled

Director: Asim Abbasi

Screenplay: Asim Abbasi

Lux Style Awards: Nominations for Best Actor (Mohammad Ahmad), Best Actor (Adnan Malik), Best Actress (Aamina Sheikh), Best Actress (Sanam Saeed)

Cast: Aamina Sheikh, Sanam Saeed, Adnan Malik, Mohammad Ahmad, Beo Raana Zafar, Faris Khalid, Hira Hussain, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Bob D'Erlanger

The film explores the bittersweet and sometimes toxic relationships within a dysfunctional family. Set in a milieu of a contemporary Sindhi family living in Karachi, the film narrates the life of middle child (Aamina Sheikh) who lives and takes care of her aging and unwell parents and her reaction to the arrival from abroad of her elder brother (Faris Khalid) and younger sister (Sanam Saeed) amidst a family emergency...

A Pandora's Box of family secrets emerge as long-simmering sibling rivalries come to the surface and cracks between the family members begin to show. An eventful anniversary party threatens to destroy whatever little relationship still exists between the siblings but is averted just in time.

The perceptive screenplay brings a fresh outlook to what could have been a maudlin set of events. Real-life situations like parents growing old, family responsibilities becoming one's own problems, tackling an inter-religious relationship when one of the daughters gets involved with her father's Christian nurse (Adnan Malik) are just some of the issues on view which are acted to perfection by the entire cast.

Not only is the film visually well-put-together, the prominent soundtrack showcases contemporary Pakistani songs that accentuate pivotal scenes and emphasize the cultural significance of certain ceremonies that take place in the film.

Autumn in Islamabad...early in the morning, energized by bird song, shrouded by the changing colours...moments to cherish!

We invite you to join us in a relaxing outdoors meditation session followed by nature walk onTrail-5.

'Feel the earth beneath your bare sole,

nourish thy self in nature’s fold;

take comfort in the soft green grass,

that delights in your joyous steps;

a moment to behold nature’s wonder,

a reprieve from life’s crazy meander;

for in these seemingly little things,

lies life’s illusive treasures'.

-Mo Irom

Situated on the crossroads of Europe and Asia with an access to the Caspian Sea, the cuisine of Azerbaijan has developed significantly due to its unique geographical location. It has been influenced by the culinary traditions of multiple different cultures, such as Turkic, Iranian and Eastern European.

Recognised as one of the most ancient, rich and tasty cuisines in the world, it reflects the history, customs & aesthetics of the country. The abundance of meat, fish, vegetables, spices, and seasonings makes each meal truly special!

Madame Farhadova Tarana - the spouse of Ambassador of Azerbaijan in Pakistan H.E. Farhadov Khazar, has very kindly imvited us to a demonstration/ lunch. Some of the dishes which we will taste are: 'Pilaf'- with meat and dry fruits, 'Dolma'- with varied fillings, the unique 'Shorqoqal'- (salty buns), 'Qutub'- with greens , pumpkin and meat, a special 'Pie'- with nuts and onion and the delicious 'Manqal' salad... and for dessert the divine 'Shakarbora' and 'Pakhlava' !

Autumn Vibes...the perfect time to put on your hiking boots and go trekking!!

Assemble at the Japanese Park parking and go in a convoy to Talhaar- from where we will start our hike towards the ridge. The views of the valleys and Khanpur dam are absolutely breathtaking!

After having a picnic at the top of the ridge we will return from the other side of the hill and go back to our cars. Wear sturdy shoes suitable for the rocky hiking trails, and bring along refreshments.

This is also an opportunity for photogtraphy buffs!

Enjoy the wonderful weather and come along this Sunday for a joint session with cyclists from various cycling groups !

'Cycling Sunday' is an activity where the citizens use a Car free zone to cycle in. The Zone is from Beverly Center to D Chowk on Jinnah Avenue. Planned are various races for the entire family- children and adults!

We will join the cycle ride which is the last activity of the event.

Those who want to join earlier activities can join on their own.

Towards the end of the ride it would be dark so don't forget to bring lights with you!

Join us for an exclusive programme- specially organised for the ASG- through the newly opened ‘Leopard Trail’ in the Leopard Preservation Zone, Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP) Islamabad.

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. Bring refreshments!

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

As Pakistan is ravaged by Climate Change ,the need for innovative approaches to horticulture is desperately required. The Green Impex nursery is doing just that by establishing a climate controlled greenhouse for their flowers.

Established in 1994, Green Impex is well known, and the owners have recently built a state of the art modern greenhouse that covers more than 10,000 square feet, is powered by solar energy, ventialted by large fans and cooled with water pads!

The Asian Study Group has been allowed exclusive access to this dynamic new facility.It is an excellent opportunity for horticulturalists looking for green solutions for the impact of unpredictable weather patterns, flower enthusiasts and those who want to learn more about how technology can help horticulture.

You will be able to view & purchase unique flower pots and seedlings including Lisianthus (prairie gentian- botanical name: Eustoma), best described as a tulip in the shape of a rose, Lilac (Syringa Vulgaris) -plants that have a strong fragrance, Potato Tree (Solanum Erianthum) also known as velvet nightshade, new varities of Teak (Sagwan) trees, herbs such as stevia, oregano and thyme and more...much more!!

It is a 15 minute drive to the nursery and we will travel in convoy. You are welcome to bring light refreshments to enjoy in the garden sitting area of the nursery, though you will be treated to cardamom tea and cookies!

A PHOTO SAFARI

(4 days /3 nights)

Foreigners: Please apply for your NOC well in time. (Please note:Foreigners with tourist/visit visas do not need any NOC).

Autumn is the time when the landscape of Hunza and Nagar Valleys is at its most picturesque. The trees throughout the valley seem to be on fire, as their leaves turn to gold, red, orange and bronze contrasting sharply with the barren mountains. Situated in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. It is approximately a two hour drive from Gilgit city on the Karakoram Highway.

At an elevation of 2500 meters it is situated on the north/west of Hunza River and spread over 7900 square kilometers, it hosts a number of famous peaks of more than 6000 meter in height: Rakaposhi, Diran, Golden Peak, Ultar Peak and Ladyfinger.

Truly, a photographer’s dream come true, the tour provides a golden opportunity to capture the stunning autumn scenery through the lens of a camera. At the end of the Photo Safari there will be a Photographic Competition among the participants of this tour. Certificates of merit will be awarded to the three best photographers.

Itinerary

Day 1: Islamabad to Gilgit by early morning flight (duration one hour). From Gilgit travel on Karakorum Highway and reach Hunza. Enjoy scenic views of high mountains all the way. Sort stay at Rakaposhi View Point. Arrival at Hunza and transfer to hotel. Evening free for local sightseeing and photography. Overnight stay in hotel at Hunza.

Day 2: Full day to explore Hunza and part of Nagar Valley. Visit Duikar, Altit Fort, Baltit Fort and Hopper Valley. Overnight stay in hotel at Hunza.

Day 3: Full day trip to Upper Hunza. Visit Attabad Lake, Gulmit, Passu, Borit Lake to enjoy most scenic landscape and experience simple way of life of local people. Return to Gilgit for night stay.

Day 4:Return flight from Gligit to Islamabad.

Director: Asghar Farhadi

Screenplay: Asghar Farhadi

Award: Cannes Film Festival – Best Actress (Bernice Bejo)

Cast: Berenice Bejo, Ali Mosaffa, Tahar Rahim, Pauline Burlet, Elyes Aguis, Jeanne Jestin, Sabrina Ouazani, Babak Karimi

Like Farhadi’s previous film (“A Separation”) this one also confirms his unique ability to explore how constant chatter and anguished outbursts obscure the capacity for honest communication. This story is secretly like a detective mystery about relationships only partially understood by their participants.

Ahmad (Ali Mosaffa) arrives in Paris from his native Iran four years after separating from his French wife Marie (Berenice Bejo) in order to finalize their divorce. He finds the family at an uneven crossroads: While Marie plans to marry Samir (Tahar Rahim), her daughter Lucie (Pauline Burlet) from an earlier marriage maintains distance from her mother as she is frustrated by the older woman’s string of fleeting romances. Meanwhile, she must contend with the presence of preadolescent Fouad (Elys Aguis), Samir’s son, who lives with the family in the suburbs while Samir works in the city. Ahmad uncovers its most troublesome aspect through casual discussion: Samir’s wife lies comatose in a hospital after a botched suicide attempt.

The screenplay slowly reveals its puzzle pieces exposing troubled people trapped by a network of errors and tragedy in this wrenching, relentlessly intelligent drama..

Self Drive

The Second Ridge is basically just outside Islamabad, in the KPK region. NOC may be required for foreigners.

Join us for a hike on one of our favourite tracks:the Second Ridge. The spectacular views of the snowclad Himalayas make it very special, as it shows the diversity of the flora of the Margalla Hills. T

The whole track is covered with tall trees and listening to the whispering of the pines in the cool breeze, is an experience of its own! If the weather is clear, the climax of the hike is the 'lakes view point' - from where both Khanpur and Rawal Lakes can be seen...

The total distance is 12Km (return trip). Hike rating is Medium (Easy long walk on top of the ridge)

We will travel in convoy. Due to Covid concerns, we discourage carpooling.

Wear sturdy shoes; bring your own refreshments. Dress appropriately. Don’t forget your camera/phone to create some

special memories!