The Black Hole

Science – Art – Culture

A Project of

Mashal Books

Upcoming Events

Explore our upcoming events and register (free) to attend. You can watch them live at our Facebook page too.

Events

Ongoing Programs

Our ongoing programs at The Black Hole

Load more listings

Follow On YT

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
» 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
A Dialogue With History #Shorts #History #Pakistan
YouTube Video VVU1ODZtcS16bXgwWkNpdEg0UEEzTExnLkNBTmtNaUxqNXUw
» The Lahore Resolution of 1940 is often hailed as the defining moment in the creation of Pakistan, but how much of what we know is historical fact, and how much is later reinterpretation? Over the decades, political narratives have shaped and reshaped its meaning, sometimes distorting its original intent. This session will critically examine the objectives, context and aftermath of the Lahore Resolution, separating rhetoric from reality. Was it a demand for a separate state or something more nuanced? How did its interpretation evolve over time? Join us as we explore the layers of history and analyse long-held assumptions about this landmark moment.
The Lahore Resolution | Separating Fact from Fiction
YouTube Video VVU1ODZtcS16bXgwWkNpdEg0UEEzTExnLkYyc0x5bnByQ2hZ
Load More... Subscribe

Connect With Us

5-H Street 100 G-11/3 Islamabad
Facebook Instagram Linkedin Youtube

Blogs

Embers Of Science

•
No Comments

The passionate efforts of dedicated scientists are keeping the embers of science burning in Pakistan, despite the dismal state of science education in the country.

Plastic, Plastic Everywhere

•
No Comments

When I breathe, I feel suffocated. The air around me is polluted, and the wind doesn’t bring tranquillity anymore. Whether it’s the …

The Impact and Challenges of ChatGPT

•
No Comments

AI-based tools have taken us by surprise and although we have been hearing about the use of AI for years, they always …

Facebook Instagram Linkedin Youtube