News Desk
Lahore, June 26, 2024:
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed alarm over reports from the Edhi Foundation indicating that 568 people have died in Karachi from heat wave-induced illnesses in the past five days. The HRCP emphasizes that Pakistan can no longer treat the climate crisis as a distant issue, given the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
The HRCP has called on all levels of government—federal, provincial, and local—to respond urgently to the crisis and implement measures to prevent further deaths. Suggested measures include setting up emergency roadside camps, cooling centers, and ensuring public access to potable water. Additionally, local hospitals, clinics, and charities are urged to be on alert to treat victims of heat exhaustion, particularly among daily-wage workers.
The HRCP also urges the Sindh government to compensate the families of those who have died due to the heat wave.
Looking to the future, the HRCP recommends that the government invest in affordable low-carbon cooling technologies and practices. It also suggests rethinking infrastructure development priorities to prevent heat buildup, advocating for the creation of public green spaces and improved public transport systems.