Karachi: The Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination has highlighted the urgent need for coordinated climate adaptation measures in response to unprecedentedly higher temperatures recorded across multiple regions of the country. The ministry has noted that heat waves are becoming more intense and prolonged, posing significant risks to human life.

According to Radio Pakistan, Ministry’s Spokesperson Mohammad Saleem Shaikh stressed the importance of implementing these measures at all levels, urging government organizations, provincial, and local disaster management authorities to take immediate action. He pointed out that several cities in Sindh, Balochistan, and South Punjab have been experiencing early and prolonged heat waves since mid-March, with temperatures soaring above 50°C. These extreme conditions have disrupted daily life and pose serious health threats to the population.

Shaikh outlined several risk-averse measures that must be adopted by provincial and district-level governments. These include the development and dissemination of timely heat wave early warnings, establishment of community cooling centers and heat shelters in urban areas, promotion of climate-resilient infrastructure, restoration of degraded public parks and forest areas, and the integration of heat-health awareness campaigns into national and provincial disaster risk communication strategies. Additionally, he emphasized the need to expand access to clean drinking water and emergency medical services in high-risk districts.

Meanwhile, Director General of the Ministry, Muhammad Asif Sahibzada, emphasized the critical role of public compliance with health advisories issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department and disaster management authorities. He advised citizens to stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and assist vulnerable community members, including the elderly, outdoor workers, and children, to mitigate the adverse health impacts of the heat waves.