Finding events in Islamabad

Expatriates, like myself, commonly find Islamabad a quiet place at first. The issue is not knowing where to look for events.

I recommend three sources: the Asian Study Group, various mailing lists, and Metroblogging (which I just found).

The Asian Study Group is a public group with dozens of events each month, but is still a group that keeps low-key on publicizing its events. I think this is the best option for those new to Islamabad. Here are some old events.

December 2005
Hiking – HIGHEST POINT IN THE MARGALLAS
Performing Arts ––‘SITAR’ RECITAL
Cuisine Club – SPECIAL CHRISTMAS LUNCH
Wildlife & Environment – BIRD WATCHING TRIP IN THE VICINITY OF RAWAL LAKE, ISLAMABAD
Carpets and Textiles – CITY CARPETS
Hiking – E7 TRAIL/FAISAL MOSQUE
Special Program – JAPANESE CULTURE
Literature – THE INDUS VALLEY - MOMENT OF TRUTH
Film Club – “ZAMANAY” - KAZAKHSTAN
Arts and Crafts – GEMSTONES OF PAKISTAN

February 2006
Wild life and Environment – DECLINE OF THE VULTURE POPULATION IN THE SUBCONTINENT
Hiking – F-5 TO PIR SOHAWA
Carpets and Textile – TURKMEN CARPETS/ TRAVEL BAGS AND KILIMS
Cuisine Club – THE ART OF COOKING: FRENCH STYLE!
Trips – VISIT TO ST. CATHERINE’S CONVENT
Arts & Crafts – TRIBAL ARTS & CRAFTS OF PAKISTAN
Film Club – ‘SARATAN’
Hiking – GHORA GALI TO PIR SOHAWA
Trips – MOENJODARO AND SURROUNDING AREAS

There are many electronic mailing lists that privately advertise events. The most useful list I've found is the United Nations (UNDP) mailing list which advertises UN events, many embassy events, and excursions around Pakistan. Here one finds a dozen events each week - though there are limitations based on membership, nationality, and permission.

I just found Metroblogging Islamabad which is a compilation of blogs about Islamabad. It publicizes events and experiences on one website, such as the Lok Virsa Folk Festival that currently running November 4-19 at the Lok Virsa Heritage Museum in Islamabad.