Act before the heat becomes unbearable

August 24, 2026

Climate crisis is taking an increasingly dangerous form. Extreme heat, drought, water shortages and the loss of green spaces are no longer distant threats. They are becoming part of everyday life, especially for people living in crowded cities and already hot regions.

The issue was recently raised in the National Assembly, where the government identified nine areas facing the highest risk of dangerous heatwaves. These include Jacobabad, Dadu and Karachi; Bahawalpur and Lahore; Sibi and Turbat; and Tank and Dera Ismail Khan. For millions of people living in and around these areas, rising temperatures can mean much more than discomfort. Extreme heat can cause dehydration, serious illness and even death.

The danger is particularly severe for children, elderly people, pregnant women, outdoor workers and those with existing health problems. Poor communities are often the most vulnerable because they may lack access to air conditioning, clean drinking water and proper healthcare.

Pakistan must therefore move beyond simply responding to heatwaves after they arrive. Prevention and preparation must become national priorities.

One of the simplest and most effective measures is protecting and expanding green spaces. Government studies have shown that concrete buildings and barren land become much hotter than areas with trees, vegetation and water. Yet Pakistan’s cities continue to expand at the cost of parks and green cover. Every new housing scheme and commercial project should include sufficient trees and open spaces. Urban forests should not remain a slogan but become a regular part of city planning.

Better buildings can also help people cope with rising temperatures. Cool roofs, reflective materials, natural ventilation and energy-efficient construction can reduce indoor temperatures and lower electricity consumption. The Green Building Codes must therefore be properly implemented rather than remaining limited to policy documents.

Water management is equally important. Pakistan needs to save water, improve groundwater recharge and prepare for drought. Nature-based solutions, including the proposed Sponge City Model, can help cities absorb rainwater, reduce flooding and replenish underground water supplies.

Early warning systems and emergency preparations must also be strengthened. During heatwaves, authorities should ensure access to drinking water, cooling centres, healthcare camps and shelters, particularly for vulnerable communities and outdoor workers.

Pakistan has developed climate plans and conducted important studies. However, the real test is implementation. Policies cannot protect people unless they are translated into action on the ground. The proposed digital monitoring system could help measure progress, but authorities must also ensure transparency and accountability.

Climate change is no longer only an environmental issue. It is a matter of public health, economic survival and human security. Pakistan cannot control the global climate crisis alone, but it can make its cities and communities more resilient. Planting trees, saving water, building smarter cities and preparing people for extreme weather are no longer choices—they are necessities.