Pakistan is currently grappling with one of the most intense heat waves in its recent history. Temperatures have soared to unprecedented levels across much of the country, engulfing both urban and rural areas in scorching heat. Even the traditionally cool mountainous regions are not being spared, as the mercury continues to rise at alarming rates. The impact on the environment, water resources, agriculture, and public health is already severe and expected to worsen in the coming weeks.
In cities like Jacobabad, Larkana, and Dadu, temperatures have routinely crossed 50°C in the past week, making them among the hottest places on Earth. Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar are also facing severe heat, with daytime temperatures exceeding 45°C. Alarmingly, regions such as Gilgit-Baltistan, AJ&K and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which typically enjoy cooler climates, are now reporting temperatures 6-8 degrees Celsius above normal.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued successive red alerts over the past two weeks, warning of “severe to extreme heat wave conditions” and urging the public to take protective measures.
According to Dr. Sardar Sarfaraz, chief meteorologist at PMD, “This heat wave is not an isolated event. It is part of a larger pattern of climate variability and change that Pakistan has been experiencing for the past decade.”
The current heat wave is accelerating the depletion of natural water sources. In the northern mountainous areas such as Swat, Chitral, and Hunza, glacial streams and freshwater springs are drying up at a disturbing rate. Local communities, already facing limited water access, are reporting that traditional springs – many of which have served villages for centuries – are either running dry or delivering drastically reduced flows.
In Balochistan and parts of interior Sindh, tube wells and shallow wells have started yielding saline or undrinkable water due to the lowering of the water table. Drought-like conditions are being reported in areas where wheat and cotton crops are already under stress.
Water scarcity has created ripple effects across society. Livestock owners are migrating with their animals in search of water. Urban dwellers are facing severe load-shedding and water shortages. In Karachi, tanker mafias are exploiting the crisis, charging exorbitant rates for water.
The impact on human health has been profound. Over 2,000 people have been hospitalized with heatstroke, dehydration, and related conditions. Emergency wards in Lahore, Multan, and Hyderabad are overwhelmed. In Jacobabad, several cases of heat-related deaths have already been reported.
Children, the elderly, outdoor laborers, and people with chronic illnesses are the most vulnerable. Experts are warning of a public health emergency if the heat wave persists.
Dr. Sania Iqbal, a physician at Jinnah Hospital in Lahore, shares her experience: “We are treating dozens of patients daily with symptoms of heat exhaustion. The biggest challenge is that many households in low-income neighborhoods lack cooling options – no air conditioners, and even ceiling fans stop working during load shedding.”
The government has issued advisories urging the public to stay indoors between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., drink plenty of water, and avoid unnecessary exposure. However, for daily wage workers, staying indoors often means going without food for the day.
The agricultural sector, which employs nearly 40% of Pakistan’s workforce, is taking a direct hit. Crops such as wheat, rice, sugar cane, and vegetables are wilting under the intense sun. Livestock mortality has increased due to heat stress and water shortages.
Food prices are climbing in major markets due to crop losses and transport disruptions caused by overheating engines and melting road surfaces. In some cases, vendors report perishable items rotting within hours.
The ripple effects extend to the energy sector. Pakistan’s power grid is under immense pressure as air conditioner use surges. Load shedding of up to 12 hours a day is being reported in many regions. The high demand is causing fuel shortages at thermal power stations, further reducing supply.
The extreme heat is accelerating environmental degradation. Urban heat islands – areas in cities where temperatures are higher due to human activity and infrastructure – are worsening conditions in cities like Karachi, Faisalabad, and Lahore.
Deforestation, unplanned urbanization, and the destruction of wetlands have made cities more vulnerable to extreme weather events. Trees that could provide shade and reduce temperatures have been cut down for development, while concrete and asphalt trap heat.
The current heat wave is part of a disturbing global trend. According to a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), South Asia is among the regions most vulnerable to the effects of global warming. Pakistan, despite contributing less than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions, is among the top 10 countries most affected by climate-induced disasters.
“Pakistan is at the frontline of the climate crisis,” says environmental policy expert Dr. Adil Najam. “The frequency and intensity of heat waves are increasing. This is not just a weather anomaly – it’s a preview of our future if we don’t act fast.”
The 2022 floods, the 2023 smog crisis, and the current 2025 heat wave are all warnings. Yet climate adaptation remains underfunded and poorly implemented in Pakistan. Government response has often been reactive, not proactive.
Federal and provincial governments have begun to mobilize. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has set up heat stroke centers in major cities. Water tankers are being dispatched to rural areas. Local authorities are distributing awareness pamphlets and launching social media campaigns.
Some communities are taking matters into their own hands. In Lahore, volunteers have set up “heat shelters” offering cold water, shade, and rest for passersby. In Skardu, local NGOs are distributing solar fans and water purification tablets to remote villagers.
Experts stress that Pakistan must shift toward long-term adaptation strategies. These include:
= Building climate-resilient infrastructure
= Expanding urban green belts and reforestation
= Conserving water through efficient irrigation and rainwater harvesting
= Improving public health systems to handle climate-related illnesses
= Implementing strict urban planning and zoning laws
International support is also crucial. Pakistan needs financial and technical assistance to build climate resilience. As the host of past COP climate meetings, Pakistan has called for climate justice – but commitments from richer nations have been slow to materialize.
The heat wave currently enveloping Pakistan is not just a temporary hardship – it is a warning sign of what lies ahead in a warming world. From parched landscapes and suffering communities to collapsing infrastructure and economic uncertainty, the signs are clear.
Pakistan must act – urgently, strategically, and sustainably. The time for denial and delay is over. Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is the crisis of now.
