ISLAMABAD: Heatwave-like conditions will prevail in southern parts of Pakistan over the next 24 hours, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said on Tuesday, urging people to avoid sun exposure and take precautions.
The weather conditions may cause temperatures to rise 4-7°C above normal in central and southern Punjab, Sindh and parts of the Balochistan province.
“General public especially children, women and senior citizens are requested to take precautionary measures. Avoid exposure to sun light during the daytime and get hydrated,” the PMD said in its advisory on Tuesday.
“Farmers are advised to manage their crop activities (wheat harvesting) keeping in view the weather conditions and take care of their livestock as well. Judicious use of water is advised.”
Similarly, the PMD said, a shallow westerly wave is likely to enter upper parts of the country on Tuesday night and may persist till Friday.
The weather system may cause rain-wind/thunderstorm in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Battagram, Bunner, Kurram, Bajaur, Mohmand, Orakzai, Murree, Galliyat, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Mianwali, Jhelum. Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal and Lahore during the period, according to the advisory.
Isolated hailstorm may also occur during the forecast period. Dust-storm and gusty winds are also expected in the plains of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and upper Sindh during the forecast period.
“Wind-dust-storm/hailstorm and lightning may damage loose structures like electric poles, trees, vehicles and solar panels,” the PMD added.
Pakistan has witnessed frequent, erratic changes in its weather patterns, including floods, droughts, cyclones, torrential rainstorms, heatwaves and the slow-onset threat of glacial melting, in recent years that scientists have blamed on human-driven climate change.
In 2022, unusually heavy rains triggered floods in many parts of the country, killing over 1,700 people, inflicting economic losses of around $30 billion, and affecting at least 30 million people.
Heatwave-like conditions to prevail in southern Pakistan over next 24 hours — Met Office
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Heatwave-like conditions to prevail in southern Pakistan over next 24 hours — Met Office
- At the same time, a shallow westerly wave, likely to enter upper parts of the country on Tuesday night, may cause rain and thunderstorms in upper regions
- Pakistan has witnessed frequent, erratic changes in its weather patterns, including floods, droughts and cyclones, that have been blamed on climate change
Pakistan IT minister in Kuwait to attend digital cooperation body meeting on AI risks
- Shaza Fatima Khawaja to attend event themed ‘Inclusive Prosperity in the Age of AI’
- Pakistan approved National AI Policy last year, launched first locally hosted AI cloud
KARACHI: Pakistan’s Information Technology (IT) Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Wednesday arrived in Kuwait on a two-day visit to hold discussions on artificial intelligence (AI) and its risks at the fifth Digital Cooperation Organization General Assembly (DCOGA), her office said.
The annual gathering brings together representatives of various states and international organizations to discuss the digital economy and the challenges associated with its growth. This year’s theme is “Inclusive Prosperity in the Age of AI.”
Pakistan has been actively developing its AI landscape, marked by the approval of the National AI Policy in July last year and the subsequent launch of its first locally hosted AI cloud in a bid to integrate AI for economic growth.
“The federal minister will participate in the General Assembly of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) and hold meetings with representatives of member states,” the IT ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Discussions will be held on artificial intelligence and its risks, with meetings scheduled with global policymakers.”
Khawaja will hold high-level meetings with global leaders at the event and participate in the DCO thematic ministerial roundtable comprising ministers from various countries, it added.
The development comes as Pakistan seeks to position itself as a credible participant in the global AI economy to harness AI for productivity, skills development and innovation while managing regulatory risks.
Pakistan has mainly been engaging with Gulf countries on AI. In October last year, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Saudi Arabia has offered free training in IT and AI for Pakistani youth. Last November, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates agreed to deepen cooperation in AI, digital governance and data innovation.
Pakistan is also hosting a week-long national AI initiative, “AI Indus Week 2026,” from Feb. 9-15 to promote the responsible use of technology and accelerate the adoption of AI across the public and private sectors.
