'The ASG is proud to launch another issue of this remarkable publication and window on Pakistan’s vivid cultural life with Mehvash Amin, the Editor, and Ilona Yusuf, artist, poetess and Associate Editor.

They will present the awaited 2021 volume of 'The Aleph Review' featuring a stunning selection of poems, essays, travel reports, interviews and outstanding artwork and photographs. It also includes a moving short story about a Sufi Ustad (Teacher), originally written in Urdu by Jean Columeau, a French university professor and frequent visitor to Pakistan. Other specially invited guests will read poems and excerpts.

Copies will be available for sale and signature.

Pl. Note: Due to the close vicinity of the prohibited area,this hike is unfortunately restricted to foreigners.

At 1800m altitude, 'Panjpir' is among the highest and the most beautiful ridges in Kotli Sattian region. It is called Panjpir due to a shrine at the top. Locals believe five saints came to this place and settled here.

The track offers beautiful views of the valleys and the great Himalayas as well as a view of the Jhelum river passing through the mountains. The amazing special rock formations and big boulders throughout , make it a 'not to be missed' adventure ... in winters it snows as well!

Continuing on the trail will take you to Panjpir shrine which can be spotted from the distance by a large clump of trees at the top. On clear days you can even see Makra and other mountains of Kaghan area on your north while different peaks of Kashmir are visible on the east.

The hike will start from Danoi Rest House. There are two options of doing the uphill hike.

• The long one is 8Km to the top that includes some road portion as well
• The short version is around 4Km to the top which starts at the end of the road.

It is recommended to do all the way, but we will decide on the spot.Walking time is about 3-4hours.

The hike involves some hard sections and can be categorized as moderate to hard. It can be strenuous for novices or people who have not hiked before.

We will assemble at United Bakery parking area, and board our coaster. It will take us 1.5 hrs to reach Danoi Rest House. Aftera short rest break we will start the hike.

Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water /refreshments for a picnic break at the hill top.

Perfect weather to indulge in a ride around the F9 Park!

This is special for all the new comers and children, who want to test the bikes on a relatively easy terrain...since it’s on the road all kinds of bicycles can join!

Route: Bolan Gate (F-10 Side) Parking > Service road East > Jinnah Avenue > 9th Avenue > Margalla Road > Service road East > Back to start or disperse.

Please Note:

• It is an outdoor event but do please observe SOP's.
• 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. 500/- Guests Rs. 750/-) 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

Director: Santosh Shivan

Screenplay: Cathy Rabin

Cast: Linus Roache, Rahul Bose, Nandita Das, Jennifer Ehle, Leopold Benedict, John Standing, Lal, Dr. Ambikathmajan, Lakshmi Krishnamurthy

Awards: Houston Film Festival: Best Theatrical Feature

The story, set in Kerala - South India - during the British Raj, is a dispassionate study of how power, when threatened, ruthlessly exercises its prerogatives.

Henry Moore  (Linus Roache),  an English tea planter in southwestern India during a time of mounting resentment towards British rule, has borrowed heavily to finance the building of a road for the fantastically lucrative spice trade. He has his faithful ''man'', an educated Indian  (Rahul Bose),  well read and devoted, whom he treats as a friend but up to a point. He also has a mistress. Unbeknownst to his wife  (Jennifer Ehle) , he has become involved with the housemaid  (Nandita Das) . He says he loves her and she, wed to a man in the village, risks everything to carry on the affair, but when two boys playing in the woods spot the adulterers, a series of tragic events are set in motion.

The luscious scenery, shot by director-cinematographer Santosh Sivan is gorgeous to behold as his camera captures stunning images of mist rising from tea plantations and angry villagers marching with torches. The film is fervently acted with Nandita Das providing a powerful, emotional force.

An opportunity not to be missed!

Day trip/ Self Drive to a religious ‘Sikh’ heritage site

The current restoration at 'Gurdwara Chowa Sahib' began in August 2020 under the supervision of four architects. It aims to remove all illegal architectural interventions that took place within the Gurdwara Sahib over time, revealing its original structure for the first time since its inevitable abandonment by the local Sikh community during the 1947 Subcontinent partition riots…

An on-site presentation specially for the ASG, to understand the symbolic significance of the ‘Gurdwara Chowa Sahib’ through narrative, material, and restorative lenses – an intersection of all three from an architectural perspective.

The presenters: Usman Faizi is an architect, poet and photographer with a growing interest in folklore and mysticism. Rubab Fatima Chishti began her professional training at Nayyar Ali Dada and Associates where she was deeply involved in design, restoration and rehabilitation of historic architecture. Mir Shehreyar Nadeem began explorations of the interactions of modernist and traditional lenses and works of architecture led him to the practice of Restoration in Architecture.

Bring own refreshments. Wear comfortable clothing/hats, walking shoes.

Note: SOP's to be observed.

A morning to remember...join us to learn the fine art of Turkish Cuisine, and then partake of the delicacies in a lovely garden setting!

A heritage of the Ottomans Turkish Cuisine specialties - now appreciated globally- are often named for places and may refer to different styles of preparation.

The meal centres around bread to borek, grilled meat, vegetable, maize dishes, fish and baklava ...and then- of course- concludes with that relaxing fragrant cup of tea (Kehwah) or that very distinctive coffee with its own unique aroma...utter bliss!

Join us for an unforgettable musical experience !

'It is widely regarded that some Middle-Eastern musical styles have influenced the Subcontinent as well as Central Asia,Spain and the Balkans...’ .

As a Special Programme for ASG, Moez Ali - an exceptionally talented self-taught, multi-dimension instrumentalist of Persian descent, will - through his vast private collection of traditional instruments - both string and percussion - including the Persian Setar, Taar, Oud, Rubab, Tanbur, Tombak, and the Daf- introduce us to Middle Eastern music that spans across a vast region- from Morroco to Iran- each maintaining its own unique traditions...

Moiz has performed solo as well as fusion works, since 2001. 

Recently, he has formed the very popular 'Parvaaz' ensemble which explores the mystical dimensions of ancient Persian repertories and fuses it with a modern touch...

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 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

0800 Departure from Islamabad (Assembly Point: In front of United Bakery, Supper Market F-6, Islamabad at 7:45 a.m.)

1030 Short stay at Gujar khan for refreshments

1100 Arrival at Rohtas Fort and sightseeing tour

1330 Free time for lunch (bring your own refreshments)

1500 Departure for Home destination

1730 Arrival at Islamabad. End of tour

Join us on this unique and exclusive outing, where we will view a biodiversity of birds and plants, a beautiful freshwater stream and to top it all, a classic aerial view of Islamabad during our 20 minutes’ walk in the area.

Dress appropriately, bring your mats /refreshments...let us welcome the changing season and cherish Islamabad's skyline while the sun sets...!

In these haphazard times of prevailing environmental concerns and deforestation, Islamabad is facing uncontrolled and unplanned urbanization, together with landgrabbers maximizing construction area and leaving little or no green spaces.

Resident owners of the beautiful area of in C12/ Shah Allah Ditta, will share their journey in preserving the forests of the Margallah Hills for the past twenty years, their role and knowledge in quenching wildfires, their efforts in protecting the wildlife, and preserving the natural beauty of the area with the volunteer forest guards.

This is an an opportunity for us to meet, discuss, learn and appreciate the hard work and dedication by these truly concerned locals towards environmental preservation.

An opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage and the fascinating art & craft scene across Pakistan!

A slide presentation will be followed by a documentary:

‘An Ode to the Mystic City -- Androon Lahore’ that offers glimpses into the rich history and culture of the walled city of Lahore, focusing on its fascinating Mughal architecture , the life in and around the historical gates of the city, and the evolution of culture amidst inadequate efforts to preserve heritage.

Hyatt’s prime reason for making this documentary film is her personal association with the city "It is a subject that is close to my heart which I have been rediscovering over the years, having being born and bred in that city. The changes in the inner city have been manifold but the romance lives on.I wanted to contribute positively to the cultural scene..."

Nageen Hyatt - alongside her involvement with human rights and peace, is the Founder/Director of the Nomad Art Gallery and Cultural Centre-A holistic centre that aims to promote artists from different backgrounds and genres, and offers seminars and programmes to educate and enhance an understanding of the arts in Pakistan.