KARACHI: Authorities in Pakistan’s largest city of Karachi are bracing for a heatwave expected to hit the metropolis next Sunday, with the mercury already surging to high levels in some parts of the southern Sindh province.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department forecast “heatwave conditions” are likely to continue in Sindh, South Punjab and Balochistan till Apr. 18. It said that a shallow westerly wave is expected to affect the upper parts of the country from Wednesday afternoon until Apr. 20.
The highest temperature during the day in Sindh was recorded in Nawabshah, 47° C., as per the Met Office. The temperature in other cities of Sindh such as Larkana and Jacobabad surged to 46° C.
“Mainly hot and dry weather is expected over most parts of the country, while very hot in southern parts,” the Met Office said. “However, dust/thunderstorm-rain is expected at isolated places in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Potohar region, Islamabad, northeast Punjab, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan during (evening/night).”
Meteorologist Anjum Zaigham told Arab News that a heatwave situation is anticipated in Karachi from Sunday onwards. He said the temperature in the city these days is “more or less normal,” ranging between 34 to 37 degrees Celsius.
“Starting this coming Sunday, there will be an increase in the intensity of heat in Karachi, and it is expected that the temperature may reach close to 40 degrees Celsius, potentially creating a heatwave-like situation,” Zaigham said.
He noted that high humidity, particularly in the morning, contributes to a higher “feels like” temperature.
“From this coming Sunday until Wednesday or Thursday, a heatwave like situation may develop in Karachi,” he said.
Relief stalls were set up in different districts of Karachi, with the commissioner’s office spokesperson saying more roadside relief centers will be established to provide water and first aid in case of emergency.
Climate change is exacerbating heat waves in Pakistan, leading to more frequent extreme temperatures. Pakistan ranks among the top ten most vulnerable to climate change impacts and also faces increased risks of untimely downpours, floods and droughts.
These heat waves contribute to various illnesses, significant economic losses and weather-related deaths during the summer season. A deadly heat wave in Karachi in 2015 resulted in over 2,000 deaths, while devastating floods in 2022 killed approximately 1,700 people and affected over 33 million nationwide, requiring extensive rebuilding efforts.
Karachi braces for heatwave this week as mercury soars in southern Pakistan
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Karachi braces for heatwave this week as mercury soars in southern Pakistan
- Starting this Sunday, Karachi’s temperature may surge close to 40 degrees Celsius, says meteorologist
- More relief centers will be set up providing water and first aid to citizens, says commissioner’s office
Pakistan law minister urges media caution on foreign policy debate amid Middle East tensions
- Azam Nazeer Tarar says constitutional limits must be respected when discussing diplomatic matters
- He says people can express themselves but sensitive external issues fall outside freedom of expression
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar urged journalists on Tuesday to exercise caution when discussing the country’s foreign policy, saying constitutional limits must be respected as regional tensions rise following the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Tarar said citizens have the right to receive accurate information and express their views, but warned that public debate on sensitive diplomatic matters could cross constitutional boundaries and trigger legal consequences.
His remarks come as tensions in the Gulf have intensified after coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran on Feb. 28, followed by retaliatory Iranian attacks targeting American bases and infrastructure in several Arab states.
The crisis has complicated diplomatic balancing for countries such as Pakistan that maintain ties across the region.
“Journalism is such a profession, and particularly given the way information flows today, it is the right of every person living in Pakistan that correct information should reach them, and every individual also has the right to express what is in their heart,” Tarar told the media.
“However, we cannot ignore constitutional limits and restrictions,” he said, adding that criticism often arises when authorities register criminal cases or initiate prosecution after those limits were crossed.
The minister said debate that frames Pakistan’s foreign policy choices in binary terms — such as whether the country stands with Iran or Gulf states — risks undermining delicate diplomatic relations.
He maintained even the Constitution of Pakistan does not permit people to casually comment on such issues, adding that the public should trust the state in managing these matters.
“Your constitution, which is the fundamental document and the social contract with the state, the agreement between the state and its citizens about how life is to be conducted here, also obliges you to exercise great caution in such discussions and commentary, as they do not fall within the bounds of freedom of expression,” he said.
The remarks come amid debate in the country about limits of online free speech, as authorities frequently invoked the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to pursue cases related to digital content.
Critics say the law has been used to curb dissent and intimidate journalists and activists, while the government maintains it is necessary to combat misinformation, cybercrime and threats to national security.
Tarar said legal action should not automatically be viewed as excessive if authorities enforce constitutional limits.
“Every profession also has a basic responsibility to conduct itself within the limits of the law,” he added.
