The region of Mohenjo Daro, renowned for its invaluable archaeological sites dating back to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, established around 2500 BCE, recorded a staggering 52.2ºC in the past 24 hours, according to Shahid Abbas, a senior official from Pakistan’s Meteorological Department, as reported to Reuters.
These extreme temperatures represent not only the peak of summer so far but also an imminent threat to the city and country’s temperature records, which stand at 53.5ºC and 54ºC, respectively. Meanwhile, a team of prominent international scientists has warned of the aggravated situation, highlighting the impact of anthropogenic climate change in intensifying these extreme weather events across Asia.
In Mohenjo Daro, a modest town characterized by scorching summers, mild winters, and sparse rainfall, daily life revolves around its local markets. These markets, housing everything from bakeries to tea shops, mechanic workshops, electronics stores, and fruit and vegetable vendors, usually bustle with customer activity.
However, amidst the current relentless heatwave, the streets are noticeably quieter, and businesses are experiencing a sharp decline in customer traffic.
“Customers simply don’t show up at the restaurant due to the extreme heat. Here I am, sitting idly, surrounded by empty tables and chairs,” laments Wajid Ali, a 32-year-old tea stall owner in the city.
“To cope with this unbearable heat, I take multiple showers a day, which offers only temporary relief. But with the power outages, the situation becomes even more challenging. The heat has left us completely uncomfortable, with no clear way to navigate through this difficult period.”
Near Ali’s shop is an electronics repair workshop run by Abdul Khaliq, aged 30. Khaliq sat working with the door ajar, trying to shield himself from the blazing sun. He, too, expressed frustration over the heat’s impact on business, noting that customer turnout has been sparse due to the extreme temperatures.
“It’s tough to work under these conditions, and fewer people are leaving their homes to seek our services,” said Khaliq, emphasizing the decline in customer traffic caused by the heatwave.
Local physician Mushtaq Ahmed added that residents of Mohenjo Daro, accustomed to enduring severe climatic conditions, have developed strategies to cope with the intense heat. “People here have adapted to living in extreme climates. During these scorching periods, they prefer staying indoors or seeking relief near water sources,” explained Ahmed. This adaptation, while helpful, also contributes to the emptying of streets and the slowdown in the city’s commercial activities.
Rubina Khursheed Alam, the Prime Minister’s climate coordinator, highlighted in a press briefing on Friday (24) that Pakistan ranks as the fifth most vulnerable country to the impacts of climate change. She outlined observed effects, including above-average rainfall and flooding, while also discussing ongoing government awareness campaigns addressing recurrent heatwaves.
The highest temperature ever recorded in Pakistan was in 2017 when Turbat, a city in the southwestern province of Balochistan, experienced 54ºC. According to Sardar Sarfaraz, chief meteorologist at Pakistan’s Meteorological Department, this was the second-highest temperature recorded in all of Asia and the fourth-highest globally.
Although the heatwave may be subsiding in Mohenjo Daro and surrounding areas, another wave is expected to hit different regions of Sindh, including Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city. This pattern underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and preparation to tackle the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions.
The impact of these record-breaking temperatures is palpable in the lives of local residents. In Mohenjo Daro, commercial activities have nearly ground to a halt. Small shop owners like Wajid Ali and Abdul Khaliq struggle to keep their businesses open amid the oppressive heat. “Customers simply don’t show up at the restaurant due to the extreme heat,” laments Ali. Khaliq, who runs an electronics repair shop, shares the same frustration, noting the dramatic drop in customer activity.
For many, adapting to harsh climatic conditions has become a necessity. “People here have adapted to living in extreme climates. During these scorching periods, they prefer staying indoors or seeking relief near water sources,” explains local physician Mushtaq Ahmed. However, this adaptation also means slower commerce and significant economic impacts for small businesses.
The Pakistani government is taking measures to address these challenges, but the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves underline the urgency for global climate action. As the world continues to warm, communities like those in Mohenjo Daro find themselves on the front lines, facing the devastating effects of climate change.
Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges of our time, bringing a host of complex problems that impact various aspects of human life and the environment. One of the most evident effects is the rise in global temperatures, resulting in hotter summers and milder winters. This phenomenon causes extreme heatwaves, such as those recently observed in Pakistan, where temperatures exceeded 52ºC. This intense heat not only harms human health—leading to dehydration, heatstroke, and increased mortality—but also negatively impacts agriculture and food production, threatening food security.
In addition to extreme heat, climate change significantly contributes to rising sea levels. The melting of polar ice caps and glaciers increases ocean volumes, threatening coastal areas and low-lying islands. Communities in coastal regions face habitat loss, erosion, and flooding, potentially displacing millions of people and creating a crisis of climate refugees.
Extreme weather events such as hurricanes, storms, floods, and droughts are also becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. These events have the potential to devastate entire communities, causing infrastructure destruction, significant economic losses, and humanitarian crises. Recovery from such disasters is slow and costly, further straining the financial and social resources of affected countries.
Global biodiversity is equally under threat. Plant and animal species unable to quickly adapt to changing temperatures and new climatic patterns face the risk of extinction. The loss of biodiversity affects entire ecosystems, which are critical for environmental services such as crop pollination, water purification, and climate regulation.
Given these challenges, it is crucial for governments, international organizations, and civil society to intensify efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change. Measures such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy, conserving forests, and implementing sustainable agricultural practices are essential.
Moreover, public awareness campaigns and environmental education are necessary to engage the population in combating climate change and promoting adaptation to new climatic realities. Only through coordinated and globally integrated actions can we address the challenges posed by climate change and protect the planet for future generations.
