9 Pakistani areas at high risk of dangerous heatwaves

Summary Islamabad: Pakistan's climate crisis is showing a worrying new face as extreme heat, shrinking green spaces, drought and water shortages increasingly threaten cities and communities, with nine areas identified as being at the highest risk of dangerous heatwaves. The government has already undertaken several assessments, including the National Adaptation Plan 2023, the Third National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 2025, the Biennial Transparency Report 2024, the Third Nationally Determined Contributions 2025, the Environment and Climate Change Outlook Report, urban heat island studies conducted during 2024 and 2025 and the draft National Drought Plan for 2025 to 2035. Nine areas are officially identified as being at particularly high risk from extreme heat, while studies in six major cities have shown how urban expansion and declining vegetation can intensify heat. AI Generated Summary Islamabad: Pakistan's climate crisis is showing a worrying new face as extreme heat, shrinking green spaces, drought and water shortages increasingly threaten cities and communities, with nine areas identified as being at the highest risk of dangerous heatwaves. The government has acknowledged that climate-related risks are intensifying in Pakistan and warned that rapid urbanisation and the loss of vegetation are worsening heat conditions in cities. At the same time, drought and water scarcity are increasing the country's vulnerability. The areas identified as facing the highest risk from extreme heat are Jacobabad, Dadu and Karachi in Sindh; Bahawalpur and Lahore in Punjab; Sibi and Turbat in Balochistan; and Tank and Dera Ismail Khan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These areas are exposed to persistently high temperatures and severe heat stress. During prolonged heatwaves, people face increased risks of dehydration, heat-related illnesses, and deaths. The government has also identified elderly people, children, pregnant women, outdoor workers, people with existing medical conditions, and residents of densely populated urban areas as particularly vulnerable to extreme heat. The situation has become more serious because Pakistan's cities are expanding while their green spaces are declining. A government study covering six major metropolitan cities found that increasing construction and decreasing vegetation contribute to stronger urban heat island effects. The study examined Karachi, Hyderabad, Quetta, Faisalabad, Peshawar and Mardan using satellite images, geographic information systems and remote sensing technology. The findings showed that built-up and barren areas generally record higher temperatures, while vegetation and water bodies remain cooler. The study therefore points toward a simple but important lesson: trees, green spaces and water bodies can help reduce the heat experienced by people living in cities. The government has acknowledged that rapid urbanisation and declining green cover are worsening urban heat stress, particularly as heatwaves become more frequent and severe in parts of Sindh, southern Punjab and Balochistan. Although several policies and plans are already in place, the government has also admitted that preparedness and implementation challenges remain. he Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination said Pakistan is dealing with the issue through the National Adaptation Plan, expanded weather and climate monitoring systems, the National Urban Strategy, nationwide geospatial assessments and the National Drought Plan covering 2025 to 2035. Studies and assessments have been shared with federal and provincial authorities to improve preparations for heatwaves. Provincial governments are also providing shelter and health facilities at different locations to protect people from the effects of extreme heat. Authorities are also taking measures such as cooling facilities, drinking water arrangements and healthcare camps following advisories from the National Disaster Management Authority and Pakistan Meteorological Department. However, one of the more serious gaps is that heat-resilient infrastructure is not yet being implemented through one unified national programme. According to the government, support for heat-resilient infrastructure is mostly being provided through policies rather than a single coordinated programme. The government has introduced the Green Building Codes 2023, which promote energy efficient buildings, water conservation and measures such as cool roofs and reflective building materials. Urban forestry programmes are also being pursued to increase tree cover. The Ministry is additionally promoting afforestation, urban forestry, landscape restoration, rangeland management, sustainable forest management and forest fire management as part of efforts to strengthen environmental resilience and reduce urban heat. Pakistan is also working on a National Cooling Action Plan aimed at promoting energy efficient and climate friendly cooling technologies, green buildings and more efficient refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Another proposed measure is the Sponge City Model, which has been shared with provincial governments. The idea is to use nature based methods to reduce urban flooding, improve groundwater recharge and address water shortages. The government has also developed a National Drought Action Plan to improve preparedness and water security as drought risks increase. But perhaps the biggest question is how effectively the country will measure whether these climate measures are actually working. The Ministry is currently developing a digital monitoring and evaluation system under its project to strengthen implementation of the National Adaptation Plan. The system is expected to collect climate adaptation data, monitor projects and help prepare annual reports. The government is procuring a consulting firm for the system, with the firm expected to begin work by September 2026. Once operational, the system is intended to help authorities track progress and measure the results of climate adaptation projects across Pakistan. The government has already undertaken several assessments, including the National Adaptation Plan 2023, the Third National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 2025, the Biennial Transparency Report 2024, the Third Nationally Determined Contributions 2025, the Environment and Climate Change Outlook Report, urban heat island studies conducted during 2024 and 2025 and the draft National Drought Plan for 2025 to 2035. Despite these steps, the emerging picture remains serious. Nine areas are officially identified as being at particularly high risk from extreme heat, while studies in six major cities have shown how urban expansion and declining vegetation can intensify heat. The government's own assessment indicates that Pakistan cannot depend only on emergency measures once temperatures rise. Long term planning involving trees, water management, cooler buildings, better urban planning, early warnings and stronger monitoring will be necessary to protect people from increasingly severe climate conditions. The issue was raised in the National Assembly during its 29th session.