Director: John Curran

Screenplay: Ron Nyswaner, based on the novel by W. Somerset Maugham

Cast: Edward Norton, Naomi Watts, Liev Schreiber, Juliet Howland, Toby Jones, Ian Renwick, Diana Rigg, Maggie Steed, Anthony Chau-Sang Wong, Sihan Cheng, Yu Xia, Lu Yan

Awards: Spirit Award Nominations: Best Actor (Edward Horton), Best Music Score

W. Somerset Maugham's classic story about a mismatched couple during the 1925 cholera epidemic in China was first filmed in Hollywood with the great Greta Garbo. This third film version brings a modern sensibility and more realism to the tragic story.

On a brief trip to London, an earnest, bookish bacteriologist (Edward Norton) is dazzled by a bored socialite (Naomi Watts). He proposes marriage, she accepts and after a romantic honeymoon in Venice they end up at a medical post in Shanghai where he is stationed in a government lab studying infectious diseases. The couple is ill-suited and she is much more interested in the social life of the British expatriates. When she embarks on an affair with a married British vice consul (Liev Schreiber) her husband threatens divorce for adultery unless she accompanies him to a remote area of China where he has volunteered to treat victims of a cholera epidemic. The story deals in the ways in which marriage in ruins is slowly and inexorably repaired as two disappointed individuals struggle in an alien and dangerous environment to find common ground and the love that has so far eluded them.

The film is shot on stunning locations in China with sumptuous cinematography, exquisite period detail and a rousing score accompanying this romantic but tragic love story.

Mark your Calendars!

OPENING EVENT 2021-2022

6.30 pm onwards

GUESTS WELCOME!

An opportunity for you to join the ASG or renew your membership at a special discount!

Purchase the limited edition of the 2022 ASG Calendar and other publications!

( In case of rain... move inside!- SOP's Essential)

‘THE FLOWERING DESERT: TEXTILES FROM SINDH’

A Multimedia presentation- Nasreen Askari

“Even now the antiquity of Sindh’s textiles tradition, which goes back to 5000 BC, is terribly under- exposed and not studied. It has been subsumed under a generic classification of Indian art and culture if it is appreciated at all…”

The presentation focuses on a private collection of textiles from Sindh, Pakistan, which, according to some scholars, was the crucible in which the textile traditions of Gujarat and Rajasthan were forged. Sindhi textiles are unique inasmuch as they reflect a dimension that combines the harshness of the terrain with a quest for a mythical and unattainable beauty. The collection is recognized as being of outstanding merit , it has featured in exhibitions at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London and the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh.

‘The Flowering Desert: Textiles From Sindh’ reveals an alternative narrative of the region best known abroad for the unruly, sprawling mass of its capital city, Karachi, and the drama of its most famous family, the Bhuttos….Fifty years of documenting Sindh’s visual history has culminated in a project for the wife & husband team- Nasreen and Hasan Askari, who ardently believe in the “soft power” of culture. By shining a light on the arts and crafts of its rural hinterland, they are aiming for reverence at home, for a tradition that has often been overlooked or dismissed…

About the Presenter: “My interest started quite a long time ago, sometime in 1970,I went from the privileged schools of Karachi to university in Jamshoro, a complete wilderness, I saw costumes and textiles I’d never seen before, through the motifs, colours and styles there were whole vocabularies communicated in whasaw. Within textile arts, Sindhi works stand very high. It’s just so little known and understood. The greatest strength is not just the skill but the authenticity. In a sense, I hope this will go some way to show that…’

Nasreen Askari is the Founder/ Director of the Mohata Palace Museum, Karachi. She is described as one of Pakistan’s most ardent cultural ambassadors. Her enthusiasm and reputation is unparalleled. She hopes that the traditional textiles from the province of Sindh will be appreciated- not just as quirky national heritage- but as art in their own right. She has dedicated her life’s work to the preservation and elevation of the bold, dramatic and painstaking embroidery and block prints of the artisans in Pakistan’s second biggest province.

Venue: Shamadan Lawn, Serena Hotel, Islamabad.(In collaboration with Serena Hotel)

For further information : ASG office 2802343 (Tue-Sat: 11am-2pm)/asianstudyg@gmail.com

Join us for a scenic nature walk on the charming Trail 4 at the foothills of the Margalla National Park. The area -sometime back was hyped up in the media - as some wildlife had been spotted deeper into the location. However, rest assured, the Wildlife Department has now efficiently contained the area, and the trail is very safe!

This is an ideal time to visit the area, observe the flora and fauna and appreciate the habitat that is facilitating the return of our friendly neighbours, the leopards after a long, long time!

The walk will be around 60 minutes, guided and briefed by professionals from the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB). This will be followed by an informative presentation by the Secretary/Chairperson IWMB about the wildlife & environment and the planned Conservation Centre, which envisions fully operational animal rescue services.

Bring Refreshments, wear sturdy walking shoes and appropriate clothing keeping weather conditions in mind!

An old route developed and used by local villagers to traverse across the Margallas, it offers the fascinating experience of walking past the old villages in the hills !

Apart from lovely views of the valleys, Khanpur lake will also be visible from the top... we will explore the second ridge on the other side of the Talhaar valley.

Walking time is about 2-3hours. Wear sturdy shoes and bring along light refreshments. We will have a rest/picnic break at top of the hill!

Set in the heart of Islamabad is one of the oldest villages of Pakistan... said to be more than five hundred years old , it is known for its rich heritage, culture, history and folklore. It is home to a Mosque, a Sikh Gurdwara and a small 16th century temple called "Rama Mandir" or "Ram Kund Temple", dedicated to Hindu God Rama . Now a bustling village catering to local cuisines, it has become a prime tourist hub...

It is an easy ride for everyone to join and it’s on the road so all kinds of bicycle can join. Please do bring your mask with you.

Foreign members are requested to apply for their travel NOC well in time.

Shogran, one of the most beautiful plateaus in Kaghan Valley is situated 219 km from Islamabad. It takes about six hours to reach here via Abbottabad, Mansehra, Balakot, and Kawai. Surrounded by thick pine forests and with an altitude of 2,362m, the autumn climate of Shogran is pleasantly cold in October. From Shogran you have a breathtaking view of Kaghan Valley’s snow-covered peaks such as Musa Ka Musalla (4,419m), Makra (3,885m), and Malika Parbat (5,290m). We have planned two options for the same trip.

Option-I

For participants that are interested in easy walks Shogran and day excursion trip to Sari Paya by Jeep.

Option-II

For hardcore hikers who will climb Makra Mountain from Paya.

Programme:

On Friday morning we will drive in a coaster to Shogran with a couple of photo/refreshment stops en route. Shogran will be our base station where we will stay for two nights in a comfortable hotel. The afternoon will be free to walk around Shogran to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery.

On Saturday, we will go by 4x4 jeeps to Sari and Paya. Group members interested in Option-I will walk around the place and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of mountains from the ridge of Paya, Paya at 3,079 is a lush green meadow with a spectacular view of Malika Parbat and other snow-covered mountains of Kaghan Valley. This group will come back to Shogran b 4x4 jeeps in the afternoon will be free for rest and recreation.

The hikers' group (availing option-II) will go to Paya by 4x4 jeeps and climb Makra Mountain (3,885m). They will return to Shogran in the late afternoon using the trekking route. We will come back to Shogran by jeeps and spend the night at the hotel.

On Sunday, the morning will be free for rest and recreation in Shogran till 11.am. We will leave for Islamabad at around 11.30 am and reach Islamabad in the afternoon with a lunch stop at Abbottabad.

The cost of the trip covers transport, hotel accommodation (on a twin sharing basis)including breakfast and services of English speaking tour guide.

· For vehicle details please send an email to Aftab Rana at afopak@yohoo.com

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

The Second Ridge has been one of our favourite hiking tracks, the views of the snowclad Himalayas make this very special as it shows the diversity of the flora of the Margalla Hills. The whole track is covered with tall pine trees and listening to the whispering of pines in cool breeze is an experience on its own!

The climax of the hike is the lake's view point from where both Khanpur and Rawal Lake can be seen, if the weather is clear.

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

We will go together in our own cars as a convoy. Due to the pandemic, we discourage carpooling.

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

special memories!

Bruno Antony thinks he has the perfect plot to rid himself of his hated father, and when he meets tennis player Guy Haines on a train he thinks he's found the partner he needs to pull it off. His plan is relatively simple: Two strangers each agree to kill someone the other person wants gone. For example, Guy could kill his father and he could get rid of Guy's wife Miriam, freeing him to marry Anne Morton, the beautiful daughter of a U.S. Senator. Guy dismisses it all out of hand, but Bruno goes ahead with his half of the "bargain" and disposes of Miriam. When Guy balks, Bruno makes it clear that he will plant evidence to implicate Guy in her murder if he doesn't get rid of his father. Guy had also made some unfortunate statements about Miriam after she had refused to divorce him. It all leads the police to believe Guy is responsible for the murder, forcing him to deal with Bruno's mad ravings.

Summer Time: Bring along your family & friends and join us on an early morning ride around Shakarparian to take in the fresh environment...Looking forward to an active participation!

Those returning during the ride please inform the coordinators.

It is an easy ride and it’s on the road so all kinds of bicycle can join.

Please observe required SOP's!

Nanga Parbat (8126m) is the second-highest mountain peak of Pakistan and the ninth-highest in the world. Its base camp is one the most beautiful and most accessible base camps of any 8000-meter peak in the world. Fairy Meadows, named by German mountaineers is an alpine pasture at an elevation of 3300 feet from sea level and offers an excellent view of Nanga Parbat and other high peaks.

On this 5 days adventure trip planned in collaboration with Sustainable Tourism Foundation, we will take you to the Fairy Meadows side of Nanga Parbat. This area offers excellent trekking opportunities with lush green meadows, pine-covered slopes, and superb views of Nanga Parbat and other high peaks. May is the best time to visit this place. It is a lifetime opportunity for adventure and nature lovers. On this trail, porters will carry the heavy luggage while you hike carrying your day pack to the Fairy Meadows camping site (an easy to moderate hike of about 3 hrs.).

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Departure from Islamabad at 05:00 a.m. for Chilas. Travel on Karakorum Highway in air-conditioned transport and cover distance in about 11 to 12 hrs. with a break for lunch and refreshments. Overnight stay at a hotel in Chilas.

Day 2: Early Breakfast at the hotel. Leave for Roikot Bridge (about 1 ½ hrs. drive). Roikot to Jhel on 4x4 jeeps (1 ½ hrs. jeep ride). Trek from Jhel to Fairy Meadows (3 to 4 hrs.). Those who are not interested in trekking can hire a pony to reach Fairy Meadows in about 3 hrs. Overnight stay in wooden huts/tents at Fairy Meadows.

Day 3: One-day trekking excursion to explore Bial Camp and Nanga Parbat base camp (8 to 9 hrs. both ways) Those who are not interested to go on a long hike can stay back at Fairy Meadows and explore the area around the camping site and enjoy a nature walk, photography and spend time at leisure. Overnight stay in wooden huts/tents at Fairy Meadows. Dinner with Bonfire.

Day 4: Breakfast at the camping site. Enjoy morning hours to do photography, explore the area towards Fantori or relax in the beautiful mountain environment. After lunch trek back to Jhel (easy downhill trekking of about 2 ½ hrs.). Jhel to Raikot bridge travel by 4x4 jeeps in 1 ½ hrs. Raikot to Chilas by van in another 1 ½ hrs.). Overnight stay at a hotel in Chilas.

Day 5: Early morning departure for Islamabad. Travel on KKH via Dasu, Besham, Thakot, Mansehra, and Abbottabad. En route stop for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea. Reach Islamabad at around 9:00 p.m. End of trip.

Tour cost is based on a minimum of 6 persons.

· Cost includes Transport, accommodation in a deluxe room at Chilas and wooden huts/tents at Fairy Meadows as per package, meals (3 breakfast, 4 lunch, 4 dinner), services of English speaking tour guide.

· Foreign members are requested to apply for their travel NOC well in time. For vehicle details please send an email to the group coordinator at afopak@yohoo.com

· Pakistani members should bring their national ID cards with them.