As temperatures soar across Pakistan in early June 2025, the country finds itself in the grip of an increasingly severe heatwave. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued heatwave warnings for much of the southern and central regions, with temperatures in cities like Jacobabad, Dadu, and Sibi hitting 45°C and above. With Eid ul-Adha just days away, the unbearable heat is compounding challenges for citizens, especially those traveling in these extreme conditions.

This isn’t just summer heat, it’s part of a broader pattern of intensifying climate extremes.

This isn’t just summer heat, it’s part of a broader pattern of intensifying climate extremes. Scientists and environmentalists have long warned that Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Unfortunately, that future is no longer theoretical. It’s already here.

The current heatwave is a continuation of the punishing weather pattern observed in May. Unusually high temperatures, combined with significantly below-average rainfall, have triggered early drought warnings in southern parts of the country. Crops are drying, water reservoirs are shrinking, and rural communities, already living on the margins, are being pushed into deeper insecurity.

In Karachi, the urban heat island effect has made matters worse. The city has been reeling from a relentless heat spell for over a week, with temperatures hovering around 42°C and humidity climbing beyond 50%. For residents, the “feels-like” temperature becomes unbearable, especially in congested, poorly ventilated neighborhoods with little access to green spaces or reliable electricity.

Hospitals are already reporting a rise in heatstroke and dehydration cases.

Hospitals are already reporting a rise in heatstroke and dehydration cases. Meanwhile, power outages and water shortages are making it harder for people to cope, particularly those without access to air conditioning or clean drinking water.

The implications of prolonged heat waves on agriculture and water systems are profound. Farmers across Sindh and southern Punjab report withering crops and wilting livestock. For a country where nearly 40% of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihood, this is more than an environmental issue, it’s a socioeconomic crisis in the making.

Drought conditions, which the PMD attributes to both low rainfall and high evaporation rates, are expected to persist until the monsoon begins. However, even the monsoon rains are becoming erratic and harder to predict, further complicating disaster preparedness and water management efforts.

Drought conditions… are expected to persist until the monsoon begins.

The time for reactive measures is over. What Pakistan urgently needs is a comprehensive and forward-looking climate resilience strategy. This includes:

• Localized heat action plans with early warning systems and public safety protocols;
• Investments in climate-resilient agriculture, water-efficient irrigation, and drought-resistant crop varieties;
• Urban planning reforms to reduce heat islands through tree plantations, green roofs, and better ventilation.
• Strengthened emergency health services during peak heat seasons;
• Public awareness campaigns on how to stay safe during extreme weather events.

Pakistan must also accelerate its transition toward climate-smart policies, both in terms of domestic governance and international cooperation. Financing mechanisms, such as climate-smart budgeting and green infrastructure funding, must be institutionalized at all levels of government.

As Pakistan faces yet another summer under scorching skies, the question is no longer whether climate change is real; it is how we respond. The heatwave of 2025 is a stark reminder that the window for preparation is closing fast.

The challenge before us is not only scientific or technical, it is deeply political and moral.

The challenge before us is not only scientific or technical, it is deeply political and moral. If our response continues to lag behind the pace of climate change, it won’t just be our summers that burn. It will be our future.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.