Sindh Steps Up Fight Against Heatwaves: AKU and PDMA Launch City Heat Action Plans
AKU and PDMA Sindh Unite to Build Climate Resilience in Five Heat-Prone Cities of Sindh
AKU and PDMA Sindh have introduced Heat Action Plans in five vulnerable cities to enhance emergency response and public safety during heatwaves. Subtitle: AKU and PDMA Sindh Unite to Build Climate Resilience in Five Heat-Prone Cities of Sindh Let me know if you'd like to generate this content in WordPress-ready format or need a featured image idea.
In a major step to combat extreme heat in Pakistan, the Centre of Excellence for Trauma and Emergencies (CETE) at Aga Khan University (AKU), in partnership with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Sindh, hosted a high-level City Heat Action Plan Consultative Meeting on Friday, June 20, 2025.
The initiative is part of the HEAT (Heat Emergency Awareness and Treatment) project, funded by UK-based humanitarian group Elrha (Enhancing Learning and Research for Humanitarian Assistance).
Held in Karachi, the event brought together more than 20 senior officials—including Assistant Commissioners, Additional Deputy Commissioners, and District Health Officers—from Sindh’s five most heat-affected cities: Hyderabad, Dadu, Larkano, Mirpurkhas, and Naushero Feroze.
A Timely Response to Pakistan’s Heat Crisis
With climate change intensifying each year, Sindh’s rising temperatures pose a growing threat to human lives, especially in low-income and rural areas. The meeting marked a milestone in efforts to build city-level climate resilience, particularly in regions prone to heatwaves, drought, and water shortages.
Over the past year, CETE and PDMA have collaborated to help city administrations develop localized Heat Action Plans. These plans focus on:
- Early warning systems
- Public heatwave awareness campaigns
- Emergency health services
- Coordination between local departments during extreme heat events
“These Heat Action Plans provide actionable steps for local governments—when to issue alerts, how to dispatch ambulances, and where to set up heat relief camps,” said Syed Shayan Shah, Director of Operations at PDMA Sindh. “With the increasing frequency of heatwaves, this kind of preparedness is critical.”
Heatwaves Push Healthcare to Breaking Point
Heatwaves have already taken a heavy toll on Sindh. In 2024 alone, 5,358 people were hospitalized for heat-related illnesses, while 158 livestock deaths were reported. Between April and May 2025, PDMA confirmed 675 heatstroke cases in various districts. Experts estimate that 8.6 million people in 26 districts of Sindh are at heightened risk due to the combined impact of heat, drought, and food insecurity.
Hospitals and clinics face immense pressure during such emergencies, often dealing with shortages of IV fluids, oxygen tanks, cooling equipment, and long patient wait times.
“This is not just a public health challenge—it’s a climate justice issue,” said Zaheer Chaand, Project Lead for the HEAT initiative at CETE, AKU. “We’re proud to support a city-led, evidence-based approach that gives local authorities the tools they need to protect their communities.”
A Model for Climate Resilience
This collaborative initiative reflects a scalable and replicable model for tackling heat-related disasters across Pakistan. By putting climate action into the hands of city leaders, the project is helping to create a heat-safe future for millions.
As global temperatures continue to rise, public health, local governance, and climate adaptation must go hand-in-hand. Sindh’s Heat Action Plans could now serve as a blueprint for other vulnerable regions across South Asia.
