A new chapter in Pakistani cinema and science communication is about to unfold with the Islamabad premiere of the country’s first space-driven telefilm, Jahan Aur Bhi Hain – Beyond the Blue, starring Amna Ilyas. This 38-minute science fiction drama is the result of a unique collaboration between the National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA) and the Institute of Space Technology (IST).
The premiere is scheduled for May 9, where it will be attended by leading figures from academia, government, media, and the scientific community. The project is produced under the patronage of the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, in partnership with Beaconhouse National University and Lock Down Productions. After its official launch in Islamabad, the telefilm will be broadcast on Pakistan Television (PTV), making it accessible to viewers across the country.
Jahan Aur Bhi Hain tells the story of a science professor who returns to her ancestral village after years of research. She foresees an impending natural disaster and, facing skepticism from the community, relies on scientific knowledge and space-based technology to help prepare and protect the villagers. The film uses this narrative to highlight the real-world importance of satellite imaging, early warning systems, and geospatial forecasting in disaster management and community safety.
At its heart, the telefilm explores themes such as scientific foresight, public trust, and the role of technology in society. It demonstrates how space-based tools can inform policy, improve preparedness, and ultimately save lives at the grassroots level.
According to Prof. Dr. Najam Abbas Naqvi, Chairman of NCGSA, this project is more than just a film—it is Pakistan’s first national science communication initiative in cinematic form. The aim is to humanize science, promote space technology as a public good, and encourage a national conversation about its relevance in everyday life.
Jahan Aur Bhi Hain sets a new standard for creative public engagement with science in Pakistan. It calls on youth, educators, and policymakers to see science not just as a subject, but as a vital force for resilience and progress.
Funded by the NCGSA Research Fund, the telefilm is a prime example of successful collaboration between academia and industry. After its premiere, it will be shown on national television, at universities, film festivals, and climate outreach events, supporting NCGSA’s mission to popularize space science and promote science diplomacy in Pakistan.
