Pakistan Steps Up Measures to Combat Heatwave Threats

Islamabad, As severe heatwave conditions continue to affect significant parts of Pakistan, MNA Romina Khurshid Alam, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, has urged federal and provincial government departments to intensify their efforts to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children and the elderly.

According to Press Information Department, during a joint news conference with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in Islamabad, Ms. Alam cited data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department indicating that most of the country has been experiencing extreme heat since May 21, with temperatures soaring 5 to 6 degrees Celsius above normal. The severe weather, described as a “blood boiling heatwave,” is expected to continue in three spells throughout the summer, with the first from May 22-30, followed by subsequent waves in June.

Ms. Alam outlined the government’s multi-pronged approach to mitigate the effects of the heatwave, which includes comprehensive guidelines and early warnings that have been disseminated through various media. These measures are intended to prevent the kind of casualties experienced during the 2015 heatwave, which resulted in nearly 2,500 deaths. The PM’s aide emphasized that heatwaves are largely a human-caused crisis, exacerbated by insufficient green cover and environmentally damaging activities.

The NDMA, alongside Ms. Alam, highlighted ongoing efforts to improve emergency response and public awareness. The authority’s Member for Disaster Risk Reduction, Idrees Mahsud, and technical expert Dr. Tayyab, discussed the development of a disaster calendar and mobile applications to enhance public accessibility to warnings and advisories.

Additionally, the coordination between national and provincial authorities and international partners is being strengthened to better manage the heatwave’s impact, including the potential threats of rapid glacier melt and forest fires. Ms. Alam also urged the public to exercise caution, particularly in national parks and green areas, to prevent fires and other heat-related incidents.

The session underscored the government’s proactive stance in bolstering the country’s resilience against climate-induced disasters, with a commitment from the highest levels of government to enhance Pakistan’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities.