MEET THE FOUNDER
Founder, The Time Travelers
Co-Founder, Karachi Astronomers Society
Astronomy Educator & Astro-Tourism Pioneer
Some journeys begin with a destination. Mine began by looking up.
Curiosity. Community. A universe of discovery.
Astronomy outreach journey
Astronomy events
Dark-sky expeditions
01 / THE FIRST SPARK
As a child, I was fascinated by nature, science, and the mysteries of the universe. I remember visiting Ziarat, Balochistan, in 1995, where I witnessed a night sky filled with countless stars. A beautiful, cloudy band of light stretched across the heavens. At the time, I didn’t know what it was.
Years later, I discovered that I had been looking at the Milky Way — our home galaxy.
That experience stayed with me and eventually shaped a lifelong passion for astronomy, space sciences, and the natural night sky.
What began as personal curiosity grew into a mission: to make astronomy accessible, inspire scientific curiosity, and give people the opportunity to experience the wonders of the universe firsthand.
My active journey into astronomy began in 2007, when a book titled Stars and Planets opened an entirely new world of knowledge and discovery.
In 2008, I met a community of astronomy enthusiasts in Karachi during a partial solar eclipse observation. That meeting changed everything. I realized that there were others who shared the same curiosity and enthusiasm for the universe.
Later that year, I founded and launched Night Hawk Astronomy Club at SZABIST, bringing students together for telescope observations, celestial events, and astronomy education.
I also became one of the founding members of the Karachi Astronomers Society (KAS), helping build a community dedicated to promoting astronomy and public science outreach in Pakistan.
Over the following years, I helped organize and lead more than 100 astronomy events, introducing students, families, and members of the public to the Moon, planets, stars, and distant celestial objects through telescopes and educational sessions.
Early observations brought a community together.
02 / BEYOND THE CITY LIGHTS
As my involvement in astronomy grew, so did my desire to take people beyond Karachi’s light-polluted skies.
In 2010, we began organizing dark-sky astronomy expeditions, taking enthusiasts to remote locations where the Milky Way, constellations, nebulae, and thousands of stars could be observed in extraordinary detail.
These expeditions evolved into the Rutjuga series, a dedicated initiative for overnight astronomy experiences under Pakistan’s natural dark skies. I subsequently launched Rutjuga.com, creating a digital identity for documenting and promoting these expeditions and the remarkable dark-sky destinations of Pakistan.
From Ranikot Fort and Gorakh Hills in Sindh to the remote landscapes of Balochistan, I have had the privilege of planning and leading expeditions that combine astronomy, education, adventure, and nature.
Today, that journey includes more than 70 dark-sky astronomy expeditions, along with numerous public and private observation events.
For me, these trips have never been just about viewing stars through a telescope. They are about creating experiences that change how people see the universe and their place within it.
03 / TURNING CURIOSITY INTO A MISSION
After years of working with astronomy enthusiasts and organizing public outreach activities, I realized there was an opportunity to bring astronomy education and experiential learning to a wider audience.
In 2017, I founded The Time Travelers, an astronomy education and astro-tourism initiative dedicated to making space sciences engaging, accessible, and memorable.
The idea was simple: astronomy should not be limited to textbooks, classrooms, or scientific institutions. People should have opportunities to explore the universe through real observations, practical activities, and meaningful experiences.
Through The Time Travelers, I introduced astronomy education initiatives, school courses, observation sessions, and experiences designed for students, families, institutions, and organizations.
The initiative continues to evolve, bringing together education, exploration, science, and responsible astro-tourism.
04 / INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION
An astronomy lesson becomes far more meaningful when a student can actually see Saturn’s rings, observe the Moon’s craters, recognize constellations, or understand the scale of our solar system through hands-on activities.
This belief led me to develop an Astronomy Education Series and introduce astronomy courses and educational sessions for schools.
My objective has always been to make astronomy understandable and exciting, particularly for young minds who may one day become scientists, engineers, researchers, explorers, or simply lifelong learners.
Bringing astronomy to life through hands-on observation.
05 / PROTECTING THE NIGHT
Over the years, I have also become increasingly concerned about light pollution and the gradual disappearance of the natural night sky from our cities.
Millions of people grow up without ever seeing the Milky Way.
Through astronomy expeditions and educational outreach, I advocate for dark-sky awareness, responsible lighting, environmental preservation, and a deeper appreciation of our natural surroundings.
I believe preserving dark skies is not only important for astronomy but also for wildlife, ecosystems, cultural heritage, and future generations.
Today, I continue to bring together my experience in astronomy, education, technology, community leadership, and expedition management to create meaningful experiences through The Time Travelers.
From launching a university astronomy club to helping establish an astronomy society, organizing hundreds of learning experiences, and leading expeditions across Pakistan’s dark skies, every step of this journey has been driven by the same curiosity that began during childhood.
My vision for The Time Travelers is to inspire more people to look up, explore the universe, ask questions, and rediscover the beauty of the natural night sky.
Because sometimes, all it takes to begin a lifelong journey of discovery is to look up.
MILESTONES / 1995 TO TODAY
From a childhood moment of wonder to a growing community of explorers.
Witnessed the magnificent star-filled skies of Ziarat, Balochistan, an experience that would later inspire a lifelong interest in astronomy.
Began studying astronomy independently through books, observations, and connections with fellow astronomy enthusiasts.
Established and launched Night Hawk at SZABIST on November 10, 2008, introducing university students to astronomy through telescope observations and public outreach.
Joined fellow enthusiasts in establishing the astronomy community that was formally organized as the Karachi Astronomers Society in 2009.
Helped launch the Rutjuga dark-sky expedition series, taking astronomy enthusiasts beyond the city for immersive overnight observations.
Organized astronomy events, developed the Rutjuga identity and website, and reached the milestone of leading more than 40 dark-sky expeditions.
Established The Time Travelers to expand astronomy education, observation experiences, and astro-tourism opportunities.
Introduced astronomy education initiatives, school courses, and learning experiences that combine scientific concepts with hands-on observation.
Continued organizing school sessions, private observations, public astronomy events, and astronomy expeditions across Pakistan.
Continuing a journey of astronomy outreach, experiential learning, dark-sky preservation, and inspiring people of all ages to explore the universe.
A PERSONAL MESSAGE
“I believe the universe has something extraordinary to offer everyone, regardless of age or scientific background. You don’t need to be an astronomer to appreciate the beauty of the night sky. Sometimes, you simply need an opportunity to experience it.”
— Abubaker Siddiq Shekhani
Founder, The Time Travelers
