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.

In Conversation...

By harnessing the power of culture and art, countries can build bridges, foster cooperation and promote peace and understanding in an increasingly interconnected world. These intangible ambassadors of national identity have long been recognized as essential components, playing a vital role in shaping international relations and diplomacy...

Drawing on her own vast experience, Dr. Maliha Lodhi -in conversation with Dr. Dushka Saiyid- will discuss the role of soft power in diplomacy and how a country can use culture, art and other sources of persuasive attraction to further foreign policy goals.

• Dr Maleeha Lodhi has served as Pakistan’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York. She twice served as Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US (1993 – 1996, 1999 – 2002) and as High Commissioner to Britain (2003 – 2008). She also served as a member of the UN Secretary General’s Advisory Board on Disarmament Affairs from 2001 to 2005. In 1994 Time magazine nominated her as one of a hundred people in the world who will help shape the 21st century. She is the recipient of the President’s award of Hilal-e-Imtiaz for Public Service in Pakistan. The author of two books: ‘Pakistan’s Encounter with Democracy’ and ‘The External Challenge’ she has also edited two books ‘Pakistan: Beyond the Crisis State’ and 'Pakistan's Search for Stability’. An Urdu translation of a collection of her columns was also published as a book recently titled ' Pakistan: Between crisis and hope’.
• Dr. Dushka H. Saiyid received her Doctorate degree from Columbia University New York in South Asian History. She has served as Professor and Chairperson, Department of History, Quaid-i-Azam University, The author of two books ‘Muslim Women of the British Punjab: From Seclusion to Politics’ and ‘Exporting Communism to India, Why Moscow Failed’, she has published numerous research articles in national and international academic journals . She is the editor of Youlin/Good Neighbours (a monthly cultural magazine) and www.youlinmagazine.com (a bilingual Chinese/English website).
• In collaboration with Serena Hotel, Islamabad

Subtitled: English

Looking for an escape, a clown dances outside a fast- food restaurant on the streets of Lahore, that is until the claws of reality threaten to pull it's mask off...‘The Clown’ (2024) a Pakistani Short Film won the Satyajit Ray Award for Best Short Film at the London Indian Film Festival 2024.

Written and directed by Kamil Chima, the film is a pacy exploration of the life of a clown on the streets of Lahore, and an ode to those that remain hidden in plain sight. He has previously produced ‘Laal Kabootar' (2019)- Pakistan's official selection for the Academy Awards 2020- and 'The Queen of My Dreams' in (2023). The film is the acting debut for Coke Studio starrer Farheen Raza Jaffry. The cast includes debutant Muhammad Saeed Cheema, Sheherzade Peerzada and Adeel Afzal. It is produced by Mahnoor Zaidi and Jaber Hussain.

This will also be an opportunity to meet the Director and some of the cast members!

Kamil cheema is a producer, writer and director. An alum of the IFFR Producers Lab 2023 and the Producers Network at the Marche Du Film de Cannes 2023, he has set up Nehr Ghar films, a film production company based out of Pakistan. 'The Clown' (2024) is Kamils directorial debut short film.

• In collaboration with Alliance Francais d' Islamabad

Generations of Mughal women played a crucial role, alongside the Great Mughal emperors, in transforming South Asia into the superpower of its time, the epitome of cultural refinement and a beacon of pluralism- their record has few parallels in world history...Join us for this fascinating presentation that explores the lives of the magnificent women of the Mughal dynasty!

Debunking old colonial narratives, recent scholarship has begun to uncover the multifaceted contributions of these highly educated, powerful women. These extraordinary women served as governors, diplomats, chief advisors, and Sufi guides; they were scholars and masters of martial arts, while also excelling as connoisseurs and patrons of the arts, including architecture, poetry, calligraphy, culinary arts, and haute couture fashion.

Guest Presenter: Zeenut Ziad-by profession- is a mathematician and an economist from the London School of Economics; and a specialist of Mughal history by passion. Amazingly, she has built two high-profile careers. Her first career saw her teaching economics at the University of Karachi, becoming the first woman executive in Pakistani banking, and serving as a consultant for the World Bank. Her passion for South Asian history, especially the Mughal period, led her to a second professional path. She organized a highly successful lecture series at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, on the Mughal Empire, which led to her first book, The Magnificent Mughals (2003). In 2011, she co-edited Tablet & Pen: Literary Landscapes from the Modern Middle East in collaboration with Dr. Reza Aslan.

Ms. Ziad has taught courses on Mughal history at George Mason University and American University, Washington DC and lectured at many educational institutions. She was actively involved in Muslim advocacy and interfaith work and cultural projects in the US for more than two decades.

An unforgettable evening- not to be missed!

'He weaves his voice with the pure, crystalline sounds of the Santur strings, to develop a repertoire both traditional and spiritual, gleaned during his years around the Mediterranean, as well as personal compositions and improvisations with influences ranging from Anatolian to Celtic or Persian music...'

French/ Morrocan Zakaria Haffar has played several string instruments, from the guitar to the Arabic ‘Oud’, before fully devoting himself to the ‘Santur’- a Persian ancient instrument with 72 metal strings, played with delicate wooden hammers. He has practiced on the 'Santur' for more than 10 years- as a solo artist and in bands, in Egypt, Turkey, Mali, and France.

• In collaboration with Alliance Francaise d’Islamabad & Serena Hotel

Celebrating the season of joy, peace, and goodwill!

Highlighting interfaith harmony and unity the Islamabad Christian Fellowship (ICF) invites you to a special heartwarming Christmas carol and tableau event to celebrate the community's invaluable contributions in areas like music, art, education, and medicine!

For music lovers, a rare opportunity...join us at this very special event !

The exceptionally talented Sheeza Maqsood's piano journey started when she was about 8 years old! She received her initial piano education and ear training from her father, Mr. Maqsood and went on to learn music reading from Ms. Ri Sook Lee, and then higher classical training from Ms. Sarah Torbay.

Currently she runs a very popular piano studio and has trained over 100 foreign and Pakistani students.

In a highly competitive online piano competition:' Golden Piano Talents'-North Macedonia, she has been awarded:

1. First Prize - Piano lovers category

2. Third Prize - Classical Piano Category

This special presentation for the Asian Study Group- her second solo piano concert in Islamabad- will include:

1. Fantaise Impromptu- F.Chopin

2. Sonata in F minor - D.Scarlatti

3. Liebstraume No.3 - F.Liszt

4. Moonlight Sonata 3rd movement - Mozart

5. God Father Theme

6. Nocturne in E flat major - Chopin

7. Pasoori - Ali Sethi and Xulfi

8. Jardin Secret - Paul de Senneville

9. Waltz No. 2 - Dimtri Shostakovich

10. Jab Koi Bat Bigar Jaye

11. Echoes of Hope - Sheeza Maqsood

12. Tukish March -

W.A Mozart

• In collaboration with Serena Hotel. (In case of change of venue: IFWA Hall . You will be informed)

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). Cyclists, hikers, 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.
• Cyclists will enjoy a leisurely ride through scenic route, while the other participants will drive to the location.
• 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

Documentary & Panel Discussion

• In collaboration with Serena Hotel

MARK YOUR CALENDARS…JOIN US FOR A MEMORABLE EVENING...SUMPTUOUS DINNER IN A GARDEN AMBIANCE, PRIZES AND MORE!

A PERFORMANCE BY KHANZADA ASFANDYAR KHATTAK

A fusion of the Sub-continental classical dance ‘Kathak’, and the Afghan/ Pushtoon ‘Khattak’.

IN CONCERT: ROCKLITE-THE BAND

‘We just like to play good music. It’s is all about moments where you can indulge yourself in the magic of melody and harmony…’

Straddling the line between genres and cultures – shifting from Western to Eastern- the three musicians joined together as a cover band to indulge in their passion for music.

With their diverse backgrounds they perform music ranging from rock, alternative to pop…but always fun to groove to!

Rizwan Haque: Producer/Composer/Lead Vocals & Rhythm Guitar (ex Vital Signs)

Imran Hanan: Bass Guitar

Lead Vocals: Ajay Rao: English

Bilal Ashraf/ Waqas Iqbal: Punjabi/Pushto/Seraiki & Urdu