In recent years, Pakistan has been facing the dangerous effects of climate change—and one of the biggest threats is the heat wave. A heat wave is a period of unusual and extreme heat that lasts for several days. In 2025, heat waves in Pakistan have become more frequent, more intense, and more harmful. Cities like Jacobabad and Dadu reached temperatures above 50°C, making them some of the hottest places in the world. This essay will explain the causes of heat waves, their impact on health, economy, and environment, and what Pakistan can do to stay safe in the face of rising heat.
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What Are Heat Waves?
A heat wave is a prolonged period of extremely hot weather—often with high humidity—that can last for days or even weeks. In Pakistan, heat waves have become increasingly common due to global warming, climate change, and human activities like deforestation, industrial pollution, and traffic emissions.
Pakistan’s geographic location, arid climate, and urban heat islands (cities with little green space and too much concrete) all make heat waves worse.
What is Causing Heat Waves in Pakistan?
Heat waves are mostly caused by global warming, which results from pollution and human activities like:
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Cutting trees (deforestation), which removes shade and natural cooling
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Burning fuel in factories and vehicles, which releases heat-trapping gases
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Urbanization, where cities are filled with cement and asphalt instead of green areas
These changes trap heat in the environment, causing cities to become urban heat islands—hotter than the surrounding areas.
Heat Wave Conditions in Pakistan – 2025 Update
In 2025, Pakistan faced record-breaking heat:
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Jacobabad and Dadu recorded temperatures over 50°C
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Lahore and Karachi suffered from heat combined with high humidity, causing “real feel” temps of 47°C+
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Power outages and water shortages made the situation worse
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Hospitals in Punjab and Sindh received heatstroke patients in large numbers
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Poor people without fans or cool shelters were hit the hardest
Effect on Agriculture and Shifting Seasons
Pakistan is an agriculture-based country, so heat waves have a serious impact on crops and farming:
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Wheat, sugarcane, vegetables, and fruits dry up due to intense heat
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Water canals in Sindh and Punjab shrink, reducing irrigation
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Livestock suffer from dehydration, and many animals die
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Farmers face heavy losses, and food prices go up in markets
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Seasonal cycles have shifted:
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Summer starts early (March)
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Monsoon rains are delayed
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Winter is short and mild
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These changes confuse the farming calendar and reduce crop yield.
Health Problems During Heat Waves
The human body suffers in extreme heat. In Pakistan’s 2025 heat wave:
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Many people faced heatstroke, dehydration, and breathing issues
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Children, elderly, and heart patients were most at risk
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Hospitals in cities became crowded, especially where air conditioning was not available
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In rural areas, people had no access to clean water or shade, making the situation deadly
Economic Damage Caused by Heat Waves
Heat waves harm Pakistan’s already struggling economy:
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Farm losses increase poverty and food prices
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Outdoor workers (like construction laborers and farmers) cannot work in high heat
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Electricity bills go up due to high AC and fan usage
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Energy demand rises, putting pressure on the national grid and causing more load shedding
All these factors combine to slow down business, raise prices, and increase suffering.
Environmental Impact of Heat Waves
Heat waves don’t just affect people—they also damage nature:
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Forests are at risk of wildfires, especially in KP and Balochistan
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Animals and birds die from heat and lack of water
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Water levels in rivers and lakes drop
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Air pollution increases due to trapped smoke and car exhaust
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Cities become hotter due to lack of trees and overuse of concrete
What Pakistan Can Do – Solutions
1. Public Awareness
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Teach people how to stay safe in extreme heat
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Share alerts and heat wave warnings through TV, SMS, and social media
2. Plant More Trees and Green Areas
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Start tree-planting campaigns in schools, mosques, parks, and roadsides
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Create urban forests to reduce the urban heat island effect
3. Improve Housing and Urban Design
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Build ventilated, cool houses with shade and airflow
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Use cool roof technology and green rooftops
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Create shade shelters in bus stops, markets, and schools
4. Improve Health and Water Facilities
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Set up free ORS/water booths in cities during summer
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Train doctors and nurses to handle heat-related emergencies
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Keep hospitals equipped with cooling rooms and hydration kits
5. Climate Policy and Clean Energy
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Shift to solar and wind power instead of burning fossil fuels
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Ban cutting of trees and encourage eco-friendly construction
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Join global climate action agreements to reduce global warming
The heat wave crisis in Pakistan is real, dangerous, and growing every year. In 2025, the country faced some of the highest temperatures in the world, leading to health emergencies, food shortages, and environmental damage. But we still have time to act.
If we educate people, plant trees, improve housing, and adopt green energy, we can protect our communities and reduce the harm caused by extreme heat. With combined efforts from the government, schools, and citizens, Pakistan can become more resilient, prepared, and climate-safe.
