KARACHI: To mark World Environment Day, Aga Khan University (AKU) hosted a public screening of the documentary "The Sky is Far, The Earth is Tough" at Habitt City. The film, directed by Haya Fatima Iqbal, is part of the Voices from the Roof of the World (VRW) series and examines the effects of natural disasters and climate change on the communities in Northern Pakistan.

According to Aga Khan University, the screening brought together filmmakers, climate advocates, students, and change makers to discuss the environmental challenges facing these vulnerable populations. The documentary highlighted the accelerated glacial melt, flash floods, and landslides affecting the region, which have disrupted infrastructure and led to economic instability and displacement.

Dr. Rozina Karmaliani, Associate Director at AKU's Brain and Mind Institute, emphasized the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis, stating that climate change in these regions is an active challenge requiring immediate attention. Dr. Fozia Parveen from AKU's Faculty of Arts and Sciences called for the integration of climate change awareness into education to build community resilience.

The documentary's director, Haya Fatima Iqbal, stressed the importance of focusing on the human impact of environmental issues, while sustainability specialist Tariq Essa discussed the roles businesses and individuals can play in reducing carbon footprints. Sponsored by Primero, the VRW series is a collaborative initiative aimed at raising global awareness about climate impacts in Central and South Asia.

The series is supported by several organizations, including the Aga Khan University, Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, Aga Khan Foundation, and University of Central Asia, with backing from donors committed to environmental journalism and documentary storytelling.