Extreme Heatwave Crisis Threatens Pakistan’s Water Security and Environment

Extreme heatwave conditions have gripped Pakistan, with temperatures climbing far beyond seasonal averages, threatening public health, agricultural productivity, and the nation’s already strained water resources. This year’s wave is being described as one of the most intense in Pakistan’s recorded history.

Meteorological departments have issued red alerts for Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan, as several regions report temperatures exceeding 50°C. Yet, while thermometers spike, the real crisis runs deeper—into the very bedrock of Pakistan’s environmental and water security.

Dr Kumbhar’s Warning: Not Just Weather, But A Climate Emergency

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ismail Kumbhar, a renowned sustainable development expert, has issued a grave warning:

“This is not merely an extreme weather event. It is a stark warning of the accelerating climate emergency that directly threatens our food systems, water supply, and energy security.”

Dr. Kumbhar emphasized that while media coverage of the extreme heatwave has grown, the broader implications—especially on water sustainability and environmental governance—are still being dangerously overlooked.

Groundwater Crisis: A Silent Threat

One of the most urgent but under-discussed threats exacerbated by the extreme heatwave is the depletion of groundwater. In Islamabad, groundwater that was once accessible at 70 feet now lies beyond 400 feet, according to Dr. Kumbhar.

This decline signals not only water scarcity but also an impending collapse of tanker-based water delivery systems, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas.

“If this trend continues, even water tanker services will collapse under the strain. The silence on this matter is deeply troubling,” Dr. Kumbhar warned.

Urban Vulnerability and Historical Heatwaves

The impact of urban heat islands, poor planning, and inadequate infrastructure has been devastating in the past. The 2015 heatwave killed over 1,200 people in Karachi. Many more have died in subsequent heatwaves, with little improvement in urban resilience strategies.

Even now, cities like Karachi lack heat shelters, real-time warning systems, and equitable water distribution mechanisms—elements critical for saving lives during such extreme heat events.

Climate Change Compounding the Crisis

Dr. Kumbhar also highlighted several interlinked challenges brought on by climate change:

• Frequent Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.
• Rising sea levels threatening the existence of coastal cities like Karachi and Thatta.
• Deforestation at alarming rates across the country.
• Drying rivers and desertification in agricultural zones.

“Pakistan is standing on the edge of an ecological breakdown. Without urgent intervention, the damage may be irreversible,” he stressed.

IPCC and Global Climate Vulnerability Rankings

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has listed Pakistan as among the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. The contributing factors include:

• Rapid urbanisation
• Unplanned industrialisation
• Deforestation
• Poor water governance
• Lack of public awareness

Despite these dire indicators, Pakistan’s climate policies remain underdeveloped and underfunded. Think tanks and academic institutions like Imperial College London and the University of Hawaii are actively researching climate impacts in Pakistan, but local action remains sluggish.

The Way Forward: Urgent Climate Resilience Needed

Dr. Kumbhar urged for a nationwide climate resilience strategy that places environmental sustainability and water governance at the core of development policies.

Key steps he recommended include:

• Formation of climate-resilient infrastructure.
• Nationwide public awareness campaigns.
• Inclusion of climate education at all academic levels.
• Cross-sectoral collaboration between government, academia, civil society, and media.
• Implementation of integrated water resource management plans.

He also emphasized the need for Pakistan to leverage international climate finance and technology partnerships to build adaptive capacity.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Systemic Change

This extreme heatwave is more than a seasonal anomaly—it is a climate emergency unfolding in real time. The current crisis should act as a catalyst for long-term systemic change rather than just a fleeting headline.

Unless immediate and collective action is taken, Pakistan risks environmental collapse, water scarcity, and an uncertain future for generations to come.

External Resources

• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
• UN Water Reports on Groundwater Depletion
• Climate Crisis Research at Imperial College London

Internal Links

• Pakistan’s Climate Diplomacy Efforts
• Top 5 Water Scarcity Challenges in Pakistan
• What is GLOF and Why Should You Care?