Introduction
As summer tightens its grip across South Asia, Pakistan is facing one of its harshest heatwaves in recent memory. The “feels-like” temperature in at least five major cities has crossed the 50°C (122°F) mark, according to local meteorological reports. This alarming spike is not just a weather story — it’s a national emergency. With climate resilience still underdeveloped, millions are at risk, and experts fear the worst is yet to come.
Where the Heat Is Hitting Hardest
According to data reported on June 21, the following cities are experiencing extreme heat stress:
- Jacobabad: 52°C “feels-like” temperature
- Sukkur: 51°C
- Dadu: 50.8°C
- Larkana: 50.5°C
- Multan: 50.1°C
In some localities, ground-level thermometers are recording even higher values due to asphalt and metal surface radiation. This “real-feel” temperature is exacerbated by high humidity, lack of shade, and wind stagnation.
Impact on Public Health and Daily Life
Hospitals have reported a surge in heatstroke cases, especially among outdoor workers, children, and the elderly. Electricity demand has spiked, causing power outages in both urban and rural areas. Water shortages have worsened the crisis, particularly in Sindh and southern Punjab.
Dr. Shazia Mehmood, a Karachi-based climate health expert, notes:
“Pakistan is entering the zone of climate unlivability. These are not just numbers — they represent real human suffering.”
Climate Change: The Elephant in the Room
Scientists have repeatedly warned that South Asia is one of the most climate-vulnerable regions in the world. This heatwave is not an isolated event — it’s part of a growing pattern:
- Shorter winters
- Prolonged droughts
- Intense monsoon bursts
- Unpredictable glacier melts
Pakistan contributes less than 1% to global carbon emissions, yet it faces some of the highest climate-related risks globally. With limited infrastructure and adaptive planning, the nation stands dangerously exposed.
Government Response: Enough or Not?
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued advisories urging citizens to:
- Stay indoors during peak hours
- Hydrate regularly
- Avoid unnecessary travel
Cooling centers are being set up in some districts, but accessibility remains an issue for many remote and low-income populations.
Despite growing public awareness, critics argue that Pakistan lacks a coherent climate adaptation policy, especially for extreme heat.
International Comparison: Lessons to Learn
Countries like India, Bangladesh, and even Gulf nations have implemented heat action plans — including early warning systems, public cooling shelters, and heat-resilient urban planning.
Pakistan must follow suit or risk turning vast parts of its territory into “climate dead zones”, where agriculture fails, water disappears, and migration becomes inevitable.
Commentary: A Climate Crisis, Not Just a Heatwave
This is more than just weather — it’s a climate justice issue. The poorest citizens, who contribute least to the problem, are suffering the most. Construction workers, rickshaw drivers, fruit vendors, and school children — none of them chose this crisis, yet they are living (and sometimes dying) in it.
Pakistan urgently needs:
- A national heat resilience framework
- Investment in urban greenery and heat-resistant infrastructure
- Climate education and community-level response systems
Without these, 50°C may not be a record — it may become a norm.
Conclusion
The rising “feels-like” temperature across Pakistani cities is a warning siren, not just about weather, but about the future. If action is not taken now, we may lose the fight — not just against climate change, but for human survival itself. The time for conversation is over. The time for bold action is now.
