'The Colour of Smog' screened to highlight annual climate challenge Pakistan is faced with Climate Crisis

Voices from the Roof of the World (VRW), the internationally recognized documentary series highlighting the far-reaching impact of environmental change across Central and South Asia, is all set to launch its Season Four.

This was revealed during a Media Roundtable organized by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) here on Tuesday.

While briefing the media persons, Director AKDN Pakistan Communications Laila Naz Taj said the new season amplified urgent climate narratives, focusing on air pollution, melting and retreating glaciers, water scarcity, and the resilience of communities confronting these challenges in the third pole, also known as the 'Roof of the World'. This region's glaciers provide life-sustaining water to an estimated 1.6 billion people living downstream, she explained.

Eight-time Emmy Award winner and VRW's Executive Producer Andrew Tkach, while virtually participating in the interactive session said the Season Four consisted of 10 films highlighting the challenges posed by environment changes such as land sliding, avalanches, melting of ice and others. These films are made by the filmmakers of Pakistan, Mongolia and the Central Asian countries giving their narratives of climate impact on the local communities.

This is something the world needed to know, said Andrew Tkach who has brought over 30 years of experience and is also mentoring young filmmakers and helping them shape their ideas into impactful stories. "VRW was created to highlight the climate emergency from the perspective of the people who live it every day," noted Andrew Tkach adding "In Season 4, we shed light on communities confronting melting glaciers and vanishing forests, but also more hopeful stories of saving falcons and reviving ancient water canals. These stories make one thing clear: the environment is changing faster than we are responding."

Pakistan currently faces one of the most severe environmental periods in its history and the climate crisis has become a daily reality.

Alongside these disasters, Pakistan is facing an ever-deepening air pollution emergency that harms every form of life. The country ranks among the five most polluted in the world, and millions in Punjab are seeking treatment for respiratory illnesses, especially children.

Against this backdrop, "Color of Smog," one of VRW Season One's films directed by Jawad Sharif back in 2021, was screened on the occasion. The documentary showcased Lahore's spiraling smog emergency. Jawad regretted the film was relevant even today as the challenge of smog seemed far from over.

Once known for its gardens, Lahore now ranks high among the world's most polluted cities. "Smog in Lahore is not just a figure but a daily reality that shapes how people breathe, move, and imagine their futures," said Jawad. "Behind every air quality reading are families trying to protect their health and dignity. Through VRW and films like Color of Smog, we hope audiences can clearly see how the climate crisis is already unfolding around us and why meaningful action can no longer wait." The series has won numerous honours and awards including Columbia University Journalism School's John B. Oakes Award for Distinguished Environmental Journalism. VRW episodes have been selected and screened at over 50 international film festivals worldwide.

"VRW's unique expression of local realities highlights the impact of climate change on the lives and the cultures of the vulnerable communities whilst narrating the story of a changing era," explained LailaNazTaj.