The Black Hole

Science – Art – Culture

A Project of

Mashal Books

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The Black Hole

The Black Hole (TBH) is a non-profit, open-to-all, casual educational and intellectual space for science, art, and culture.

Located in the G-11/3 area of Islamabad, it has a 60-capacity auditorium, small library, and a children’s science lab. Live-streamed evening events and lectures, roundtable discussions, and video screenings are scheduled throughout the week. TBH’s goals: explaining concepts of high-science and high-technology in simple Urdu and English; nurturing young people of exceptional talent in every field; and creating greater societal rationality.

Unconnected with any political or religious organization, TBH is purposed towards helping all citizens of Pakistan to participate fully in the scientific, social, economic, and cultural life of their society.

The Black Hole
Death is shrouded in fear, sorrow, and uncertainty — painted as a final end, or a passage to potential suffering. But what if we reimagined death through a lens of optimism and natural beauty? Let's discuss death not as a source of misery, but as an intrinsic and meaningful part of life's journey. ● About the Speaker: » Dr. Shehla Alvi is a seasoned psychiatrist, psychotherapist and educator with over 20 years of experience. She adopts a minimalist and holistic approach to address mental health concerns, providing a safe space for clients to explore their inner selves. While specializing in children and adolescents, Dr. Alvi also supports individuals and couples in building healthy relationships.
Beauty in Death: Discovering Life's Final Chapter
YouTube Video VVU1ODZtcS16bXgwWkNpdEg0UEEzTExnLmc4REp2R1dNMVNz
» Chaos theory has a bad name, conjuring up images of unpredictable weather, economic crashes and science gone wrong. But there is a fascinating and hidden side to Chaos, one that scientists are only now beginning to understand. It turns out that chaos theory answers a question that mankind has asked for millennia - how did we get here? In this documentary, Professor Jim Al-Khalili sets out to uncover one of the great mysteries of science - how does a universe that starts off as dust end up with intelligent life? How does order emerge from disorder? It's a mindbending, counterintuitive and for many people a deeply troubling idea. But Professor Al-Khalili reveals the science behind much of beauty and structure in the natural world and discovers that far from it being magic or an act of God, it is in fact an intrinsic part of the laws of physics. Amazingly, it turns out that the mathematics of chaos can explain how and why the universe creates exquisite order and pattern. And the best thing is that one doesn't need to be a scientist to understand it. The natural world is full of awe-inspiring examples of the way nature transforms simplicity into complexity. From trees to clouds to humans - after watching this film you'll never be able to look at the world in the same way again. ● This documentary screening will be followed by Q&A session with Dr. Naqeeb ur Rehman, a mathematician with a PhD from Germany earned through the prestigious DAAD research program. His teaching expertise and interests extend from basic to the university levels, in the areas of algebra, topology, knot theory, cellular automata and mathematical philosophy. As an active math educator and STEAM safeer, he regularly conducts math circles, seminars and talks at various educational institutions. He also runs the 𝑶𝒑𝒆𝒏𝑴𝒂𝒕𝒉𝑪𝒊𝒓𝒄𝒍𝒆 Facebook page and YouTube channel.
The Secret Life of Chaos | Discussion
YouTube Video VVU1ODZtcS16bXgwWkNpdEg0UEEzTExnLno3NURqbnAweXRF
» Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision for religious minorities in Pakistan was articulated in several key speeches, most notably on July 3rd and August 11th, 1947. In his address to the Constituent Assembly, he unequivocally emphasized equality, justice and religious freedom, declaring that the state would not discriminate based on religious identity and that every citizen would have the right to worship and practice their faith freely. Jinnah aspired to create a nation built on principles of harmony, democracy, and social justice, ensuring peaceful coexistence among diverse religious communities. However, debates persist regarding the consistency of his views, with some of his statements sparking controversy over the years. This session brings together thinkers and human rights advocates to critically examine Jinnah’s vision, the historical trajectory of minority rights in Pakistan, and the broader implications for citizenship and the country’s future political landscape.
The Case of Religious Minorities in Jinnah's Pakistan
YouTube Video VVU1ODZtcS16bXgwWkNpdEg0UEEzTExnLnhGMmpUNlV2OEpN
» The war in Ukraine has reshaped global politics, economies and alliances, raising pressing questions about the future of the region and its impact on the world. As the conflict drags on, what are the possible outcomes? This session will discuss the latest developments, key players and the broader geopolitical consequences of the war. ● Discussants: » Usman Qazi Post Crisis Recovery Advisor, Moderator » M. Amir Rana President of the Pak Institute for Peace Studies, Expert in Counter-terrorism, Counter-extremism and Regional Security » Dr. Mojahid Mirza Writer, Poet, Sociopolitical Analyst, Broadcaster, Political Activist
The Ukraine War | Understanding the Conflict and its Consequences
YouTube Video VVU1ODZtcS16bXgwWkNpdEg0UEEzTExnLmZwOTc3anZ1SWpn
» Education shapes not just individuals but entire societies, influencing economic growth, social mobility, and innovation. Yet, not all education systems are created equal. Some produce exceptional outcomes, while others struggle to keep pace with changing societal and technological demands. In this session, we will discuss and compare different education systems across the world—highlighting their successes, failures and the lessons they offer. With a particular focus on the systems the speaker has experienced firsthand, we will examine how education policies impact economic and social realities. Can we learn from global models to build a more effective system for the future? ● About the Speaker: » Haris Ayaz Ammad is an educationist with diverse academic and professional experience across multiple disciplines. Having pursued higher education in mathematics and computer science from the University of Minnesota, the University of Waterloo, and Columbia University, he also holds an MBA from York University, Toronto. Despite total visual impairment, Haris has successfully worked for both private and non-profit sectors, working on impactful projects in public policy, education and advisory roles. He has been a contributor to The News and has made television appearances. Currently, he serves as a coach and advisor to individuals and organizations.
Education Across Borders | Comparing Systems and Their Impact
YouTube Video VVU1ODZtcS16bXgwWkNpdEg0UEEzTExnLmlhN3d4NVpuV2tv
As Pakistan pushes forward with corporate farming under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), six new canals are set to divert massive amounts of water from the already strained Indus River. While these canals intend to irrigate barren lands in Cholistan, they also pose a grave threat—risking the desertification of 12 million acres of farmland in Sindh. Is this a strategic solution for food security, or an impending ecological and economic disaster? Join us for a critical discussion on water justice, sustainability, and the future of the Indus, as experts unpack the high-stakes battle over Pakistan’s most vital lifeline. ● Introduction by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Junior, an artist and activist (online). ● Discussants: » Huda Bhurgri (Dev Professional & Feminist) » Mehran Memon (Ph.D Scholar, Activist and Lecturer at QAU) » Fatima Shehzad (Student Organizer, Activist and Artist) » Jaseem Ahmad Bhutto (High Court Advocate) » Saeed Chandio (M.Phil Scholar & Activist) ● Moderator: » Halar Nawaz (Publisher, Researcher and Policy Analyst) ● The session will conclude by a special tribute to Indus River by Asfandyar Khattak, rights activist and artist.
New Canals on the Indus and SIFC | A Lifeline or a Deadly Threat?
YouTube Video VVU1ODZtcS16bXgwWkNpdEg0UEEzTExnLjlzaFd2eVc1dU5J
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