Dangerous Heatwaves Are Now a Public Health Emergency, Warn Experts

Heatwaves are now a public health emergency in Pakistan, experts warn, as April 2025 became the second warmest in 65 years. Learn what this means for public health and climate policy.

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Heatwaves are now a public health emergency—and the data confirms it. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s (PMD) April 2025 climate summary, this was the second warmest April in the past 65 years, only surpassed by 2022. The PMD issued five heat advisories in April alone, a month once considered a moderate transition to summer.

On April 17, the temperature in Shaheed Benazirabad, Sindh, soared to 49°C, a devastating high weeks before the official summer began.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported that temperatures in May 2024 and 2025 exceeded the norm by 4 to 6°C, signaling an alarming pattern.

ClimaMeter, a global weather tracking platform, noted the “unusual early arrival” of the heatwave in both Pakistan and India, putting millions at risk—especially the elderly, low-income families, and outdoor laborers.

Why Spring Is Disappearing

“There is no spring anymore in Pakistan,” said Muhammad Irfan Virk, Deputy Director at PMD. “April is no longer a transition month—it’s summer.”

Climate experts like David Faranda from France’s National Centre for Scientific Research agree. He warned that the loss of spring points to a deeper climate shift in South Asia. “Without this buffer season, heatwaves become more extreme and harder to manage.”

According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Pakistan, rapid urbanisation in Islamabad has played a key role. Between 1990 and 2020, Islamabad’s built-up area increased by 585%, while tree cover fell by 10%—turning it into a heat trap.

Climate Crisis Hits Urban Areas Hardest

From Lahore to Karachi to Islamabad, Pakistan’s cities are becoming urban heat islands. Concrete replaces vegetation, and rising populations mean more vehicles, air conditioning, and industrial activity—all of which worsen heat intensity.

The NDMA confirmed this pattern, with a spokesperson stating that urban areas are “warming at a higher rate” than rural regions. These cities lack green spaces, shade, and cooling centers—leaving millions exposed to unbearable conditions.

In Lahore, where tree-felling for development continues, and in Karachi, where overpopulation worsens the problem, this urban heat effect is becoming deadly.

Deadly Impact on Public Health

Heatwaves are no longer just weather events—they’re public health emergencies.

In May 2024, Pakistan’s Minister for Climate Change revealed in parliament that 568 people died during a six-day heatwave in June 2023. Of these, 427 deaths occurred in Karachi alone.

Despite these numbers, no official system exists to record heat-related deaths or illnesses. The figures were gathered by NGOs, not government departments. A senior government official admitted the gap: “We don’t have a mechanism to collect real-time data. That needs to change.”

Doctors warn of rising cases of heat stroke, dehydration, and cardiovascular strain, especially among the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. Children are also increasingly vulnerable.

Why Pakistan Must Take Urgent Action

Pakistan contributes less than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions but remains one of the top 10 most climate-vulnerable nations.

Hammad Naqi Khan, CEO of WWF Pakistan, emphasizes that poor planning is worsening the crisis. “We’re destroying tree cover and creating heat islands. We urgently need city-specific heat-action plans, and local governments must be empowered to act.”

Even unusual weather events—like April 2025’s violent hailstorm in Islamabad—show how unpredictable the climate has become. Damage to property, infrastructure, and crops worsens economic losses.

Global Cooperation to Tackle Local Crisis

David Faranda stressed the importance of international collaboration: “Heatwaves don’t respect borders. India and Pakistan must work together on early warning systems, public health responses, and data sharing.”

Faranda also proposed adopting innovations seen in other countries:

Naming heatwaves, as Seville did with “Zoe” in 2022
Appointing “heat officers” to coordinate emergency response
Expanding public awareness campaigns on heat safety

Alt Text: Heatwaves are now a public health emergency in Pakistan

The Path Forward

If heatwaves are now a public health emergency, then Pakistan must adapt—urgently and intelligently. Local governments need:

Real-time monitoring systems
Urban greening initiatives
Public education on hydration and heat safety
Stronger building codes for insulation and ventilation

Meanwhile, citizens must be empowered with the tools and knowledge to survive the summer. Civil society, the media, and the education system can all help.

Helpful Resources

Conclusion

The climate crisis is not a future threat—it is already here, and heatwaves are now a public health emergency. Pakistan faces a choice: continue to ignore the warning signs, or act decisively to protect its people. The solutions are available—but only if the urgency is met with action.

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