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
» Visitors to Bangladesh from Pakistan are extremely few. Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy will summarize key observations from his visit to Dhaka earlier this week.
Back from Bangladesh: Reflections on its Science, Society and Politics
YouTube Video VVU1ODZtcS16bXgwWkNpdEg0UEEzTExnLmMwM0pEX3BfTjA4
The book "Iste'maar Ki Nafsiyat" by Akhtar Ali Syed is a profound exploration of the psychology of colonialism, examining its impact on post-colonial societies and their cultural mindsets. In this book, the author analyzes themes of identity, extremism and societal conflict, positioning the work within psychology and political thought. Through insights inspired by Freud, Fromm and Nandy, this book discusses how colonial frameworks shape cultural perceptions, fueling insecurity and identity conflicts that resonate in modern psychological and social landscapes. This book launching session will be joined by Dr. Naazir Mahmood and Usman Qazi as discussants.
Book Launch: "Iste’maar ki Nafsiyat" | The Psychology of Colonialism
YouTube Video VVU1ODZtcS16bXgwWkNpdEg0UEEzTExnLjVjY0VjNTl4YTZZ
Inspired by the Work and Life of Eqbal Ahmad, we are delighted to announce The Eqbal Ahmad Project Pakistan 2024 Film Collaboration with ‘All That Breathes’, a Film by Shaunak Sen. This screening is part of the ‘Eqbal Ahmad 25 Years On Tribute Festival’ in Pakistan, and is happening in association with the Documentary Association of Pakistan. About The Film: In one of the world’s most populated cities, two brothers — Nadeem and Saud — devote their lives to the quixotic effort of protecting the black kite, a majestic bird of prey essential to the ecosystem of New Delhi that has been falling from the sky at alarming rates. Amid environmental toxicity and social unrest, the ‘kite brothers’ spend day and night caring for the creatures in their makeshift avian basement hospital. Director Shaunak Sen (Cities of Sleep) explores the connection between the kites and the brothers who help them return to the skies, offering a mesmerizing chronicle of inter-species coexistence. The screening will be preceded with special introduction to Eqbal Ahmad and followed by a discussion with Siraj Ali (Project Curator for The Eqbal Ahmad Project), Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy, Dr. A.H. Nayyar, Hasan Anwar (Director at the Pakistan Environment Trust) and Q&A session.
All That Breathes (Q&A Session)
YouTube Video VVU1ODZtcS16bXgwWkNpdEg0UEEzTExnLjdBMkc3aHluQjFF
Ahmad Ijaz, a seasoned journalist and election expert, critiques how the State of Pakistan exploits public emotions for its own interests. While passion holds the potential for positive change, he highlights how it is hijacked to provoke unnecessary sacrifices, turning the masses into unwilling proxies. ● Watch the entire Session "When Emotions Ignite: Understanding Social Turmoil" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vjl8aY8yfDU
Passion as a Proxy: How the State Misuses Emotions #Pakistan #shorts #politics
YouTube Video VVU1ODZtcS16bXgwWkNpdEg0UEEzTExnLkhoRGZBclZsTnlj
» In the heart of Islamabad’s sector G-9/2, a ‘Modern Mohalla’ emerges as a site of feminist agency and resistance, challenging patriarchal norms through everyday communal practices. This talk explores how subaltern women in Islamabad’s Government Housing Quarters have shaped their neighborhoods through informal, communal acts of ‘Mohalla-making’—raising a unique socio-spatial fabric amidst modernist structures. Using critical historiographic and ethnographic insights, Sidra Khokhar will discuss the intersection of formal and informal environments and how these spaces reflect lived experiences, feminist resilience and communal bonds in Pakistan’s evolving urban landscape. ● About the Speaker: » Sidra Khokhar is a researcher, architect, and lecturer at the School of Art, Design, and Architecture at NUST, Pakistan. With educational background spanning Pakistan, Australia, and the UK, she explores the intersection of feminist spatial practices within Pakistan’s architectural and urban contexts. Her research investigates the representation of women in both contemporary and historical architectural settings, focusing on the informal communal structures within Islamabad’s modernist neighborhoods. Her work uses drawing as a research tool to uncover and document the overlooked socio-spatial contributions of women in these communities. She aims to create a platform to celebrate and preserve these practices and the role of women in sustaining Pakistan’s urban communal heritage. ● About the Moderator: » Qasim Ovais, a theater and improv pioneer, has vast experience in both professional theater and applied improvisation. Also, he is certified mental health professional and a Visiting Professor for Industrial Design & Architecture School of Art, Design and Architecture – NUST.
Ziddi Feminist Practices in Islamabad’s ‘Modern Mohalla’ | Sidra Khokhar and Qasim Ovais
YouTube Video VVU1ODZtcS16bXgwWkNpdEg0UEEzTExnLmpXWGh6cjJyMmpN
» Join Ahmad Habib, a painter whose work resonates with themes of peace, love and the artistic beauty of everyday life, to learn about his early inspirations to the evolution of his expressionist style. Discover his perspectives on the art of painting, its history, techniques, and how he captures his surroundings and inner world through vivid colors and textures. ● About the Speaker: » Ahmad Habib is a multifaceted artist whose work spans painting, poetry, writing and drama production. Known for his expressionist style, he draws inspiration from the surroundings, landscapes, seasons, old door and human relationships around him. Ahmad’s work often focuses on objects and spaces of personal significance, translating the colors and textures of his surroundings into deeply emotional pieces. Dedicated to promoting peace and love, Ahmad views art as a way to find beauty in the midst of life’s challenges. His journey from poetry and sculpture to painting embodies a commitment to expressing his vision in ways that connect with the soul.
Colors, Textures, Emotions: A Painter’s Journey
YouTube Video VVU1ODZtcS16bXgwWkNpdEg0UEEzTExnLm0wd0ZiQ3JobjAw
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