Climate Change
Choudhary Muhammad Rasheed Sal
Pakistan is currently facing some of the most severe climate impacts in its history. From record-breaking heatwaves to deadly floods, the year 2025 has proven that the effects of climate change are no longer a distant threat.they are happening now.
This summer, temperatures in many parts of the country reached above 48°C, especially in southern Punjab and Sindh. The heatwave lasted for weeks, making life unbearable for millions of people. Schools were closed, outdoor work became dangerous, and hospitals saw a rise in heatstroke cases.
Experts say these extreme temperatures are a clear sign of global warming. “The intensity and duration of this year’s heatwave are unlike anything we’ve seen before,” said Dr. Maria Khan, a climate scientist based in Lahore.
Soon after the heat, Pakistan was hit by heavy monsoon rains. The rainfall was much higher than normal, causing floods in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Rivers overflowed, roads were washed away, and hundreds of villages were submerged.
In northern areas, flash floods caused by melting glaciers killed over 200 people and injured many more. Tourists were stranded, and many houses and bridges were destroyed. The collapse of the Chahan Dam near Rawalpindi was a tragic moment, caught live on television as a reporter was swept away during a news broadcast.
In the north, glaciers are melting faster than ever before. This sudden glacial melt adds to the flooding, especially during the monsoon season. Pakistan is home to more than 7,000 glaciers, making it one of the most glacier-rich countries outside the polar regions. However, scientists warn that most of these glaciers are shrinking rapidly.
This is bad news not just for floods but also for water supply. Millions of people in Pakistan depend on rivers fed by glaciers. If these glaciers disappear, it could lead to serious water shortages in the future.
Climate experts and environmental groups are urging the government to:
Improve early warning systems for heatwaves and floods,
Protect forests and plant more trees,
Build stronger dams and drainage systems,
Educate the public about climate change and disaster safety,
Pakistan has already launched the Living Indus Initiative, a major project to restore the health of the Indus River system. But more urgent action is needed.
This year’s climate events are a warning. Pakistan ranks among the top 10 countries most affected by climate change. If strong steps are not taken now, the future could bring even worse disasters.
Nice all things are going