As 26 districts across Pakistan endure an oppressive heatwave that began on May 21, the Ministry of Climate Change announced on Thursday that this extreme weather will continue until May 30, followed by two more heatwaves in June. The ministry attributes these harsh conditions to unsustainable environmental practices and widespread deforestation.
During a press conference, Romina Khurshid Alam, the Prime Minister’s coordinator on climate change, emphasized the urgent need for federal and provincial government departments to mobilize resources to protect citizens, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. She was joined by senior officials from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Romina Alam cited data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, noting that temperatures in most regions were currently 5 to 6 degrees Celsius above normal. She revealed that the severe heatwave conditions were affecting districts in Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan, and were expected to persist in three waves throughout the summer. The first wave, ongoing from May 22-30, will be followed by additional waves in early and late June, specifically from June 7-8 and during the last week of June.
“The country is facing a severe heatwave, and this is just the beginning,” stated Alam. “High atmospheric pressure is exacerbating these conditions, adversely affecting the socio-economic activities of our people.”
The PM’s aide, alongside NDMA’s Member for Disaster Risk Reduction Idrees Mahsud and technical expert Dr. Tayyab, underscored the importance of comprehensive guidelines and early warnings issued to prevent heatwave-related casualties, reminiscent of the deadly 2015 heatwave that claimed nearly 2,500 lives. Alam stressed that these heatwaves are predominantly human-caused crises, worsened by deforestation and other unsustainable environmental practices.
“Global warming is impacting the entire world, and we are seeing its effects in the form of these frequent and intense heatwaves,” she explained. “Public awareness campaigns through various media outlets are ongoing to educate people on the health risks and preventive measures.”
Alam urged swift measures to prevent heatwave casualties, advising the public to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, especially vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with serious health conditions. The NDMA is actively working on early warnings and coordinating with provincial departments to manage natural disasters and calamities.
She also warned that the heatwave was accelerating glacier melt and increasing the risk of forest fires. Alam advised the public to exercise caution in national parks and avoid discarding cigarette butts or other flammable materials. She recommended leaving vehicle windows slightly open to prevent fires and ensuring that workers have access to water to avoid heat-related emergencies.
Dr. Tayyab from the NDMA highlighted that Pakistan ranks as the fifth most vulnerable country to climate change. The agency has developed a disaster calendar projecting natural calamities for the next six months. He noted that recent erratic weather patterns had led to significant rainfall variations, impacting regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He also highlighted water stress and the risk of drought as major concerns during heatwaves, with regions like Tharparkar and Jacobabad already experiencing mild drought conditions.
Responding to media queries, Romina Alam confirmed that the Prime Minister had established a high-level committee to coordinate efforts across relevant authorities and keep the national forum updated on climate-related challenges. NDMA’s Mahsud added that the authority was developing a mobile application to provide real-time alerts, advisories, and disaster management plans to the public and media. The NDMA’s national coordination cell maintains close contact with provincial disaster management authorities and international agencies, ensuring comprehensive disaster preparedness and response.
