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Past Programmes

Sunday, 27 April 2025

Gardening / Botanical Walks - EVA ANNA FARMS

Sunday, 27 April 2025

Self Drive/Convoy

Located within the Islamabad Capital Territory ( just a 45 minute drive), Eva Anna Farms is a pioneer in regenerative livestock agriculture, dedicated to producing the highest quality organic 'desi' eggs and poultry.

Our hosts will serve us breakfast and give us a tour of the farm. We will leave their farm by noon.

Please bring along a hat, sunglasses and a good pair of walking shoes.


Sunday, 27 April 2025

Adventure Club/Archaeology: 'ROHTAS FORT'- A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Sunday, 27 April 2025

Day trip

Foreigners please check NOC requirements.
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 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.)
10.30- Short stay at Gujrankhan for refreshments
11.00- Arrival at Rohtas Fort and sightseeing tour of Fort
13.30= Free time for lunch (bring your now lunch pack and snacks)
15.00- Departure for Home destination
17.30 Arrival at Islamabad.

Saturday, 26 April 2025

Wild Life & Environment - WHISPERS OF THE PINES: KAROR VALLEY

Saturday, 26 April 2025

Join us for an unforgettable day trip into the heart of Karor Valley!

Nestled between Kotli Sattiyan and Murree, Karor Valley is a hidden gem, offering a breathtaking blend of scenic beauty and dense pine forests. This journey presents a rare chance to experience unspoiled mountain vistas, far from the usual tourist trails.

Along the way, we will make several stops, including: Simli Dam Viewpoint – a picturesque stop for stunning water and mountain views; Chawan Forest Rest House – a historic site steeped in colonial charm and other historical buildings – an opportunity to explore remnants of a bygone era, including intriguing abandoned poultry sheds!

Our adventure culminates at the recently renovated Aryari-Karore Fire Watch Tower. These towering structures in the past helped forest guards monitor fires and safeguard the region’s natural resources. To reach the tower, we will ascend high into the mountains via a rugged ridge road, followed by a short 10–15 minute trek through the forest. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Participants will have the opportunity to marvel at the majestic pine trees, relish the pristine surroundings, engage in meditation, take leisurely strolls around the area, and indulge in nature photography!

 

Important Notes:

  • Bring ample water and refreshments.
  • Wear sturdy walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.
  • We are committed to preserving the valley’s beauty—please avoid littering and respect the natural environment.

 

Thursday, 24 April 2025

Film Club - THEEB (2014) - JORDAN

Thursday, 24 April 2025

Film: Theeb (2014) - Jordan

Language: Arabic & Turkish with English subtitles

Director: Naji Abu Nowar

Screenplay: Naji Abu Nowar & Bassel Ghandour

Awards: Academy Award Nomination: Best Foreign Language Film

Cast: Jacir Eid Al-Hwietat, Hassan Mutlag Al-Maraaiyeh, Hussein Salameh Al-Sweilhiyeen, Jack Fox, Marjji Audeh

A coming-of-age story about a Bedouin boy who must survive in the wide-open Wadi Rum desert in Jordan.

While war rages in the Ottoman Empire, two brothers grow up in a traditional Bedouin community that is isolated by the vast, unforgiving desert. Their quiet existence is suddenly interrupted when a British Army officer and his guide ask the older brother to escort them to a water well along the old pilgrimage route to Mecca. While he agrees to lead them on the long and treacherous journey his younger, mischievous brother, Theeb, secretly chases after them. They soon find themselves trapped in the midst of a threatening terrain riddled by Ottoman mercenaries, Arab revolutionaries, and outcast Bedouin raiders.

Hypnotic story beautifully captures the sprawling emptiness of the desert and its chilly, inhumane beauty while depicting the changing way of life in the desert.

  • In collaboration with Alliance Francais d'Islamabad
Sunday, 20 April 2025

Photography - 'THE CELLULOID COLLECTION-A JOURNEY': ARIF MAHMOOD

Sunday, 20 April 2025

Drive in convoy

A rare opportunity to visit a renowned photographer’s private space!

‘I only take and collect photographs. My life revolves around photography.I have been shooting since 40 years now (1985 to the current 2025). My archive consists of many negatives and positives and prints of my work. There are handmade silver gelatin prints as well.My library is probably the best photo book library in the country. Collecting photo books and art books of my inspirational artists is a passion of mine. This space of the library and archive rooms is and will be open to students who want to research on the medium and topics which I have worked on, which are no longer accessible to the majority…’

Guest Presenter-Arif Mahmood’s dedication to his craft and his unique perspective on capturing human experiences has made him a significant figure in contemporary photography. His artistic practice is noted for its blend of professional interests, combining elements of photojournalism, fashion photography, and portraiture. A renowned Pakistani photographer his work spans across various genres, including photojournalism, portraiture, and fashion photography. .He has contributed significantly to both national and international publications and has an impressive portfolio of over 29 publications, including limited edition portfolios and books.

His photography has been exhibited in numerous group exhibitions worldwide and he has held 17 solo exhibitions.His work is also part of prestigious collections, including two photographs in the permanent collection of the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston.

  • In collaboration with Islambad Camera Club
Friday, 18 April 2025

Special Programme/ Comparative Cultures - 'RANI': TRAGEDY, GLAMOUR, DRAMA-THE GOLDEN ERA OF 'LOLLYWOOD'

Friday, 18 April 2025

A multimedia presentation featuring film clips and archival photographs of one of Pakistan’s brightest and most enigmatic film star!

In revisiting her life and legacy, we do not merely pay tribute to her,we step back into a lost world... a world of velvet curtains, dimming lights, and a queen whose reign, though brief, remains eternal. Rani was not merely an actress but an enigma, an embodiment of love and loss, who’s every glance, spoke volumes and every dance move evoked a world of longing. Yet, behind the dazzling veneer lay a tale as tragic as the roles she played. Just as she suffered for love on-screen, she endured heartbreak and hardship in life. This interplay between art and reality made her performances all the more poignant and her presence all the more unforgettable!

‘More than a performer, Rani was a phenomenon- a true silver-screen star who cast a spell over the golden age of Lollywood. Hers was a name that became synonymous with drama, tragedy, and timeless elegance. In a world that often silenced women, she spoke through her performances. In an industry that demanded conformity, she created space for defiance. Her story is not merely that of an actress, but of an era .She remains a symbol of feminine strength—a woman who, despite the heartbreaks life dealt her, remained etched in the hearts of her admirers. Beyond the melodrama, Rani was also a quiet revolutionary. In an industry where actresses were often boxed into archetypes, she defied expectations. She played women who were full of contradictions—heroines who owned their desires, challenged conventions, and, in doing so, became symbols of resilience. As the rebellious courtesan, the betrayed lover, or the woman who refused to be silenced, her portrayals echoed the struggles of real women fighting to carve spaces of independence in a restrictive world… ‘

Guest Presenter: Haroon Shuaib is a film historian and media and culture commentator. With an extensive experience of having worked with multiple international donor agencies, he has also been a documentary filmmaker and broadcast programmer. He writes regularly on films, music, culture and environment for many national and international publications and runs his own art gallery and community space in Quetta, the first of its kind social impact venture in Balochistan.

Sunday, 13 April 2025

Hiking - TALHAAR RIDGE HIKE !

Sunday, 13 April 2025

Self Drive/In Convoy

Spring 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!

Saturday, 12 April 2025

Cycling - THE 'SHAKARPARIAN' JUNGLE TRACK- A FAMILY FRIENDLY ADVENTURE!

Saturday, 12 April 2025

Cycling enthusiasts this is especially for you…a new track in your list of wanderings!

Nestled in the heart of Islamabad, a hidden gem awaits all nature enthusiasts and cycling aficionados! Recently revived and renovated this scenic cycling track offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, providing a unique opportunity to connect with nature and indulge in an invigorating outdoor experience.

As you cycle through the dense greenery, you will be surrounded by a calm ambiance that seems worlds away from urban chaos... you will be treated to breathtaking views, occasional glimpses of wildlife, bird song and the soothing sound of rustling leaves...

 

 

Saturday, 12 April 2025

Cuisine - 'WAZWAN'- KASHMIRI CULINARY ARTISTRY!

Saturday, 12 April 2025

Self Drive/travel in convoy.

Kashmir is known as 'Paradise on earth' for its natural habitats and beautiful lakes. Prepare your taste buds for a culinary journey to this picturesque valley. This gastronomic extravaganza will celebrate the rich and diverse flavors of the special cuisine, offering a delightful experience for food enthusiasts. Let your taste buds be captivated by the aromatic spices, rich gravies, and delightful sweets as you experience the essence of Kashmiri culinary artistry.

The deliciously prepared menu will be presented in a Kashmiri house setting with its unique wooden furniture and antique wares.

Presenter: Anjum N Reshi is a talented Kashmiri resident in Islamabad and has promoted Kashmiri culture including its cuisine, wood carving and intricate embroidered shawls in various national programmes and TV shows.

 

 

Thursday, 10 April 2025

Special Programme: 'FORGOTTEN IMAGES: POSTCARDS OF PRE-PARTITION PAKISTAN,1890- 1947': FAKIR SYED AIJAZUDDIN

Thursday, 10 April 2025

A multi- media presentation

From the late 19th century, postcards became a popular - even fashionable - form of communication. Traditional letter writing, while it had the advantage of confidentiality, gradually gave way to the shorter, pithy message which could be scribbled on a postcard. In time, postal services universally standardized the format and by reducing rates made the use of postcards affordable. Initially, Germany led the field in the manufacture of postcards, until the First World War of 1914-18, after which British and local presses filled the vacuum. The introduction of images on the reverse of postcards enhanced their appeal and, in a sense, supplemented visually the content of the message. Topographical views, buildings of interest, topical events, ethnic types, and social subjects became increasingly popular…

Overtaken today by instant electronic communications, postcards have lost their appeal. However, they have become of increasing interest to collectors and historians as a pictorial record of the recent past. The postcards presented in this volume illustrate provincial capitals – Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta – as well as prominent cities and areas in each province of pre-Pakistan, as they existed before 1947. They provide a second life to largely forgotten images of a pre-Pakistan past.

Guest Presenter: Fakir Syed Aijazuddin, OBE, FCA, is one of Pakistan’s leading art-historians. His earlier works have focused on paintings, watercolours, lithographs, and early photographs.

He has published 23 titles on such diverse subjects as Pahari miniature painting, Sikh portraiture, lithographs by British artists, the work of the 19th c. Hungarian painter August Schoefft, the travels of Charlotte, Lady Canning from Kolkata to the Khyber Pass between 1858-61, U.S.-Pakistan relations 1969-74, cartography, and on Henry Kissinger’s secret visit to China in July 1971.His latest book Forgotten Images: Postcards of Pre-Pakistan, 1890-1947 has been released recently.

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For pictures of past programmes, click over to our "memories" page.

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