Pakistan is in the grip of a heatwave crisis — and it’s changing everything. Step outside these days, and the heat doesn’t just greet you — it hits you. Not the usual summer heat, but a burning, exhausting kind that makes everything feel harder. What used to be a rare, super-hot day has now become a regular part of our lives in Pakistan. It’s not just uncomfortable anymore — it’s dangerous, and it’s changing how we live, work, and even survive.
This extreme heat isn’t just a weather problem. It’s a wake-up call. A loud one. We’re living through a Pakistan heatwave crisis, a symptom of the climate emergency accelerating before our eyes.
Pakistan has always been vulnerable to climate shifts. But the way heatwaves are increasing now — breaking records, coming back-to-back, and lasting longer — is deeply worrying. It’s not a freak event anymore. It’s happening again and again, stretching our people, our health systems, and our environment to their breaking point.
Why is this happening? A big reason is global climate change, caused by too much pollution in the air — mostly from human activity. And its impact is everywhere: our health, our incomes, our everyday lives.
Take our cities, for example. They’ve become giant heat traps. With all the concrete, asphalt, and lack of trees, it’s like living in an oven. When we build without planning and cut down trees, we lose the natural ways our environment stays cool. That’s why heat feels worse in the city — and it’s why so many people end up with heatstroke, dehydration, or worse.
The elderly, children, and outdoor workers are at the biggest risk. But honestly, this affects all of us.
And it’s not just about being hot — the Pakistan heatwave crisis hits our economy too. Farmers struggle when the crops don’t get enough water. Yields drop. Livelihoods suffer. At the same time, power demand skyrockets as people try to stay cool — and we all know how unstable the electricity supply already is. Load shedding, outages, and frustration follow. It’s a chain reaction that pushes more people into poverty and slows down our progress as a country.
Here’s the hard truth: we’re not ready. We don’t have enough early warning systems, public awareness, or infrastructure to handle this kind of heat. Many communities don’t even know how serious it is or how to protect themselves. This needs to change — fast.
First, serious action is essential. Planting more trees — especially in urban areas — and creating green spaces can help cool our cities naturally. We must also design smarter infrastructure, with buildings and roads that reflect heat instead of trapping it.
We also need to educate people. Easy-to-understand awareness campaigns, heat safety tips, and stronger emergency response systems can literally save lives.
And let’s be clear: Pakistan can’t face this heatwave crisis alone. Climate change is a global problem. Countries like ours, which haven’t contributed much to global pollution, are facing the worst of its impacts. Wealthier nations must step up and support countries like Pakistan — with funding, technology, and knowledge so we can adapt and protect our people.
The time to act is now. This extreme heat isn’t something in the distant future. It’s here. It’s real. And it’s getting worse.
But we’re not helpless. We can build a future that’s safer, cooler, and fairer — if we act together, now. Whether it’s planting a tree, pushing for climate action, or simply checking in on a neighbor during a heatwave — every action matters.
Your health matters — anytime, anywhere.Call 1122 for medical emergencies or 1123 for medical advice. Both are free and available 24/7.
Let’s keep each other safe. Let’s not wait until it’s too late.
