Shocking Impact of Climate Change in Pakistan: DG-PDMA Warns of Deadly Weather Events

Climate change in Pakistan is fueling extreme weather events, says DG-PDMA Punjab. Learn how rising temperatures and unsafe practices are causing deadly disasters.

3 minutes read

Climate change in Pakistan is no longer a distant concern—it’s a present-day reality. The nation is witnessing an alarming increase in deadly weather events, according to Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab, Irfan Ali Kathiya. He warned on May 26 that Pakistan’s changing climate patterns are intensifying the frequency and severity of natural disasters.

Climate Change in Pakistan: A Growing Crisis

Speaking on a private news channel, Kathiya emphasized that climate change in Pakistan is mimicking global climate trends—but with even more extreme consequences. The PDMA official pointed out that while many parts of the world are experiencing a 1 to 2-degree Celsius increase in temperatures, Pakistan is facing spikes of 4 to 5 degrees in short periods.

These temperature surges are not just inconvenient—they are deadly. Intense heatwaves, torrential rains, and unexpected windstorms are now more common than ever before. These conditions are pushing Pakistan’s disaster management systems to their limits.

Punjab’s Extreme Weather Events: Deaths and Injuries

Highlighting recent incidents in Punjab, Kathiya said:

“Eighteen people lost their lives and over 110 were injured due to recent storms.”

This tragic toll was a result of unexpectedly intense weather patterns, which were not fully anticipated by forecasts. While rains and storms had been predicted, the ferocity of these events was significantly higher than expected.

Such unpredictable changes are a hallmark of climate change in Pakistan, as meteorological models struggle to keep pace with increasingly erratic conditions.

The Solar Panel Danger: A Wake-up Call

One startling revelation from Kathiya was that 80% of the recent damages were linked to improperly installed solar panels. As Pakistan continues its shift toward renewable energy, many citizens are adopting solar power—an otherwise positive development.

However, without adherence to safety standards, these installations can become deadly. The strong winds tore through insecure solar setups, leading to the collapse of panels and severe injuries.

Kathiya urged the public to prioritize safe installation methods and consult certified professionals when adopting solar energy solutions.

Temperature Spikes: A Climate Red Alert

Another key issue raised was the abnormal temperature hikes across the country. Kathiya explained that cities and rural areas alike are experiencing heatwaves of unprecedented severity, threatening human health, agriculture, and infrastructure.

These temperature spikes contribute to:

Health crises such as dehydration and heat strokes
Water shortages due to rapid evaporation
Energy overloads, increasing the risk of blackouts

In essence, the rising mercury levels are a climate red alert for Pakistan. The country is ill-equipped to deal with such abrupt weather changes without robust adaptation policies.

Solutions: What Needs to Be Done

To mitigate the crisis, Kathiya recommended a multi-faceted strategy to combat climate change in Pakistan:

More Tree Plantations

Increasing green cover is vital. Trees provide shade, cool the environment, and absorb CO₂. Reforestation can reduce the urban heat island effect and stabilize local climates.

Controlled Urban Expansion

Unchecked urban sprawl exacerbates heatwaves. Cities need better zoning laws, green spaces, and sustainable infrastructure to withstand climate shocks.

Public Awareness Campaigns

The public must be educated about both the causes and consequences of climate change in Pakistan. From solar panel safety to water conservation, awareness can save lives.

Stronger Policies and Governance

Government bodies at all levels need to coordinate for effective climate action. Laws must enforce construction standards, promote renewable energy safely, and support disaster risk reduction.

Conclusion

The statement from DG-PDMA Punjab serves as a grim reminder: climate change in Pakistan is accelerating. The impact is no longer limited to melting glaciers or changing seasons—it is costing lives.

As the country braces for future weather events, a proactive, unified response is essential. From tree plantations to urban planning and safer solar energy adoption, every stakeholder has a role to play.

This is not just a climate emergency—it’s a call to action for every Pakistani.