Film: Ramchand Pakistani (2008) - Pakistan
Language: Urdu/Hindi (with English subtitles)
Director: Mehreen Jabbar
Screenplay: Mohammad Ahmed & Javed Jabbar
Dubai Film Festival: Best Film
Cast: Nandita Das, Rashid Farooqi, Syed Fazal Hussain, Hassan Niazi
A poignant and moving tale which dramatizes a family’s struggle against social and religious discrimination to contextualize the complicated relationship between Pakistan and India.Mehreen Jabbar delicately touches on themes of class barriers without taking sides allowing no judgment or finger pointing which lets us, the viewers, focus instead on the human story.
Adapted from real events, it begins in 2002 when an eight-year-old boy from the ‘’untouchable’’ Hindu Dalit caste in the Thar Desert accidently crosses the Pakistani- Indian border. Precocious young Ramchand (Syed Hassan Fazal), angry at his mother Champa (Nandita Das), runs away from his village and wanders over the border into neighboring India. His father Shankar (Rashid Farooqi) anxiously chases after him but both father and son are captured by the Indian border patrol and jailed. Their fellow detainees are mostly people, who like them, have walked unwittingly across the border and have remained imprisoned for many years, some losing their minds and others losing hope. Meanwhile the distraught Champa refuses to give up hope and waits years for the return of her husband and son. 
Simply told story details the lives of the poor who have been incarcerated due to unmitigated red tape and bureaucracy which, due to tensions between both countries, spells doom for poor people whose lives are spent in waiting. The screenplay follows the day-to-day life of the child as he interacts with other prisoners, the male prison warden and one female warden (Maria Wasti) who is made responsible for the child’s education. She is a mother-figure, but refuses to touch the child because of his low caste...

Please Note: This is instead of the original Thai cuisine programme- postponed due to unavoidable circumstances.

Ever wondered how this special cuisine is different from the food in the Plains? This is your opportunity to find out!

The mesmerizing Hunza Valley sits in the far north of Gilgit Baltistan, a mountainous territory of Pakistan filled with historical places and stunning scenery. The people of Hunza have their own unique traditions, languages, and cuisines- their food in particular is rich in flavor and variety, and it’s totally different from anything you can find in other parts of the country!

Some unique dishes that you will get to taste!

· Dou-Do soup with Mamtu: Noodle soup with dumplings

· Sharbat: With its own unique twist- a wheat and meat dish for special occasions

· Hasburush shapik: Handmade ‘roti’ (bread) filled with cheese/ yoghurt served with almond oil

· A variety of vegetables: presented in a special local style,

· Raita ( a special yoghurt concoction) and salads

· Dirram Phitti: A dessert made by making dough of wheat-flour and baking it over an open fire or an oven, it is naturally sweet without any use of sugar!

The Asian Study Group celebrates 1973- 2025!

Mark your calendars- an opportunity not to be missed!

Guests Welcome!

"The presentation is a photographic tribute to the Persian Empire as it existed... one of the world’s oldest civilizations that once stretched from the Aegean Sea to the shores of the River Indus.To begin the story of Persia, I went back 2,500 years to the 6th century before the Common Era, tracing the history of the region from the Achaemenid Empire onward.I spent some time in Iran and Uzbekistan to sift through the veneer of modernity and uncover the romance and the ethos of the era….”

Join us on a fascinating journey through ancient Persia with Dr. Iftikhar Salahuddin, who first familiarises himself by becoming a native and then an articulate Ambassador of similarities and commonalties of lives and cultures. Through historical insights, anecdotes- and his faithful camera- he captures and introduces us to the magnificence of this ancient kingdom- sites in Iran, Turkey and Central Asia- countries that depicted the lasting historical and cultural influence of the Persian Empire...

• Equally skilled as a photographer and a brilliant writer- Iftikhar Salahuddin’s survey of Persian history, culture and civilizations is a feat of strength. There may be others inspired to follow in his footsteps but they should be prepared to have his tenacity because as an old Persian proverb says… “There are no shortcuts to any place worth seeing”: Fakir S. Aijazuddin: Art Historian /Author
• Salahuddin carries inside his soul restlessness of a traveler and depth of a researcher.He doesn’t just take pictures, he talks to stones. They on their part tell him that they enjoy silence. So he captures them along with their silence with his camera. Our own art, architecture, culture and literature already carry the Persian stamp. Modern Iran and Central Asia is rooted in the Persian chronicle’ : Zehra Nigah- Poet/ Author

Awards:

· ‘Persia: the Land of Emperors and Kings’: The International Festival of Cultural Research, Iran.

· ‘Jerusalem – A Journey Back in Time’:The Karachi Literature Festival Peace Prize.

Guest Presenter Dr. Iftikhar Salahuddin is a renowned ENT Specialist in his professional capacity. Based on his frequent travels to far-flung corners of the world, he has delivered lectures both in Pakistan and abroad on diverse topics related to his favourite domain: Ancient Religions, Persian civilisation, Jerusalem, Ottoman Empire, Muslim Spain, China, and many more. He has authored ‘If Stones Could Speak,’ based on his photography of 60 destinations in countries throughout the world and ‘Jerusalem – A Journey Back in Time,’ which was also presented by the ASG in Islamabad ,some years ago.

• In collaboration with Serena Hotel, Islamabad

Foreigners are advised to arrange their NOCs ahead of the tour.

CHAKWAL: A CULTURAL & HISTORICAL DESTINATION!

A rare opportunity- not to be missed!!!

Journey into the heart of the Salt Range, a hidden palimpsest of geography, mysticism and empire two hours away from Islamabad. It's a landscape where history lies exposed in strata: Mughal, Hindu Shahi, and colonial British - all woven into the very earth.

Our quest begins in Kallar Kahar at the Takht-e-Babri, a stark stone throne where the founder of the Mughal dynasty Emperor Babur, then an ambitious prince from Central Asia, paused his southward march towards Delhi to address his army. Here, you will feel the nascent power of a dynasty that would shape the subcontinent for centuries.

From royal ambition, we descend into the grim realities of empire at Dulmial. This village, famed as the Home of Gunners yielded a staggering 460 men to the trenches of the First World War. The venerable, iron British Cannon, a bizarre relic of Victorian Scotland transported by ox-cart to this remote patch of Punjab, stands as a melancholy monument to the immense, often-forgotten sacrifices of the native sepoys in Europe's distant wars. You will visit a small village museum that preserves the memories of these veterans.

We will next experience the jewel in the crown: Katas Raj temples. Built around a holy pool said to be the tears of Shiva, this temple complex is a serene testament to the enduring pluralism of the Potohar region, a sanctuary whose waters have witnessed millennia of faith. We will then visit the abandoned, yet sublime, Malkana Temples, to experience echoes of the Hindu Shahi era over lunch.

Finally, we exchange ancient architecture for ancient geology, contemplating the wind-sculpted grandeur of the Chakwal Canyons, a magnificent reminder that this land was once the floor of a primeval sea.

The tour will be led by a professional guide with extensive experience curating historic,cultural tours for international travellers. The payment covers all essential provisions: comfortable transport to and from Islamabad (including the memorable experience of a traditional Pakistani bus for one leg of the local journey), local food (vegetarian), Virtual Reality based storytelling, mineral water (please bring your own bottles for refill), tea and regional music.

Perfect weather for an ' autumn' ride!

Join us for a cycling tour of the glorious F-9 Park- or Fatima Jinnah Park- smack in the centre of Islamabad!

With its vast acreage ,mostly covered by greenery and just a few man-made structures dotting the landscape, it is effectively a wildlife sanctuary, except for just a few areas !

To enjoy the beauty of Islamabad's changing weather scenario, we will first ride within the Park ,then through Margalla Road and go onto Trail 3 and finally return back to F-9 Park!

Join us for a special guided tour led by Dr. Abdul Ghafoor, Deputy Director & Curator- an opportunity not to be missed!

Nestled in the heart of Islamabad, the Sir Syed Memorial Museum and Immersive Gallery is a cultural treasure that brings Pakistan’s rich historical tapestry vividly to life, honouring the legacy of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan who was a visionary reformer and intellectual.

The museum takes visitors on a captivating journey from the Stone Age to the Pakistan Movement, featuring rare artifacts, evocative murals and exhibits. Highlights include a curated collection of relics from the Indus Valley and Gandhara civilizations, offering a glimpse into the region’s ancient heritage...we will explore hand-painted historical murals, uncover archaeological treasures that bring pivotal moments of Pakistan’s history to life, while gaining deeper insight into the stories that shaped our past.

The Digital Immersive Gallery- at the Islamabad Museum- is a state-of-the-art facility that merges immersive storytelling with advanced digital tools. The centerpiece is a narrative that retraces the historical spread of Buddhism from Gandhara to the Korean Peninsula, recalling the spiritual journeys of Korean monks who traveled to the region centuries ago to study the Dharma. It transports audiences into the past using cutting-edge 3D projections. With just a wave of the hand, visitors can interact with lifelike digital renderings of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas. Pakistan’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites are also highlighted, offering a sweeping journey that stretches from the 3rd millennium BCE to the 17th century CE.’

• A project of the Korea Heritage Service (KHS), Government of the Republic of Korea, it was established by the Korea Heritage Agency (KHA) under a five-year Official Development Assistance (ODA).

Join us for a unique experience as we explore the magnificent big Banyan Tree at Sinyari. Located at the base of the Margalla Hills, it is believed to be over a thousand years old! It stands as a testament to nature's resilience and beauty, offering a serene escape into the wilderness of the Margalla Hills!

Did you know that a banyan tree can roughly grow up to 2000 years? It has an interesting mechanism of expanding. From the branches of the trees, rope like structures called boughs fall towards the ground -and upon touching the ground- they become a branch... this way the tree keeps expanding even long after the death of the original tree!

Myths pertaining to Banyan trees are commonly found in almost all of the Sub- continental cultural/ religious traditions.

Seals dating back to Mohenjadaro also depict the Banyan tree, leading researchers to conclude that the reverence of the Banyan trees in Hinduism could have been borrowed from the indigenous religion of the Indus valley. With its a semi-divine status in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions people come and pray to the Banyan tree to get the blessings of the spirit. The Buddhists believe that it was under a Banyan tree that Buddha attained enlightenment and that is why they call it Bodhi tree meaning ‘tree of enlightenment'- a symbol for Buddha himself...

Instructions for participation:

• Assemble at the Khyber Gate of the F-9 Park (on Margalla Road). Hikers,cyclists and wildlife enthusiasts will come together for a brief introduction and safety instructions.
• From there the caravan will depart for the Big Banyan Tree, located just a couple of kilometers from the park.
• Upon arrival, we will take time to explore and appreciate the grandeur of this ancient tree. Participants can learn about its history, ecological significance, and the biodiversity of the surrounding area.
• For those interested in further exploration, a short hike into the forest will be organized. This hike will offer an opportunity to discover more of the natural beauty of the Margalla Hills.
• After the hike, we will gather back at the Big Banyan Tree for a closing discussion and group photo before heading back to F-9 Park.

What to Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
• Refreshments/Water
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• Binoculars and cameras for the tree & wildlife observation
• A small backpack for personal items

Self- drive (in convoy)

Collect at venue by 10.30 am sharp to drive to venue.

With autumn here, this is the perfect time to learn/ relearn on site-the tricks and techniques for the perfect flower and vegetable garden - in one of the best family run farms in Tumair Village!

Islamabad's fall season is perfect for planting flowers like marigolds, zinnias, and petunias, which bloom vibrantly in the cooler temperatures and as for vegetable farming, consider planting seedlings of broccoli, cauliflower, and lettuce, which thrive in this particular climate. This is an opportunity for you to get your questions answered by an expert.

Please wear appropriate shoes as we will be walking to different areas in the farm.

Self Drive

Join us for a visit to one of the few local farms to have successfully grown ginger in Pakistan!

Ginger- known as 'adrac' in the Subcontinent, is a flowering plant whose rhizome, ginger root or ginger, is widely used as a spice and a folk medicine. It is a herbaceous perennial which grows annual pseudostems about one meter tall, bearing narrow leaf blades.

Nishtar Farms is located in Chak Shahzad and is approximately is 15 acres in size. We will be given an informative tour of the farm by our host, Kassim Nishtar.

Please wear appropriate walking shoes, hat/cap, and bring along refreshments for a picnic!

Foreigners: Please check need for NOC from your respective organisations

Takht-e-Bahi Buddhist monastery is one of the most impressive and well preserved pieces of Gandhara architecture in Pakistan. It is situated 14 km northwest of Mardan on the road to Swat (2 ½ hour drive from Islamabad). The reputation of Takht-e-Bahi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is based partially on the extraordinarily good state of preservation and partially on its glorious location. The site itself is located on the northern flanks of a rocky spur rising 150 meters (500 ft) above the plains.
On a clear day you can see across the plains as far as Peshawar on one side, and the Malakand pass and the Swat hills on the other. The monastery and stupas were founded in the 1st. Century AD and abandoned in the 7th century AD. You may also enjoy the famous local cuisine of “Chapli Kabab” and tandoori nan from one of the famous kabab shops in Takht-e-Bahi bazaar.
Trip Itinerary
Departure from Islamabad at 08:00 a.m. (Assembly Point: In front of United Bakery, Supper Market F-6, Islamabad at 7:45 a.m.)
Travel on Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway.
Short break on the way ( Rest room/ buy water or snacks -if needed).
Take road to Mardan.
Arrival at Takht-e-Bahi
Visit historical site of Takht-e-Bahi along with local guide
Return to main road and stop at local restaurant.
Enjoy lunch of “Chapli Kabab” and tandoori nan/ (or bring your own refreshments).
Departure for Islamabad 3:30 pm
Arrival at Islamabad at around 6:30 pm.