Pakistan is among the ten countries most affected by climate change, and nowhere is this crisis more evident than in Balochistan. The province, already struggling with arid conditions, is now facing extreme heatwaves, water scarcity, and disruptions to livelihoods. With global temperatures rising, experts warn that the situation will only worsen unless immediate action is taken.
The people of Balochistan are accustomed to harsh weather, yet recent years have brought dangerously high temperatures. In 2022, Turbat recorded a scorching 53.7°C, making it one of the hottest places on Earth. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent, creating severe health crises.
“I have seen people collapse in the streets because of the heat,” says Dr. Shabana Baloch, a physician in Turbat. “Heatstroke cases are rising every year, and we lack proper healthcare facilities to handle the surge.”
Heat stress is particularly dangerous for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, outdoor laborers, and pregnant women. Many daily wage workers, such as construction laborers and farmers, have no choice but to endure the scorching sun. For them, extreme heat is not just uncomfortable—it is life-threatening.
“I work in a brick kiln, and sometimes the heat makes it impossible to breathe,” says 42-year-old Gul Muhammad from Mastung. “But if I don’t work, my family won’t eat.”
According to the World Bank, climate-related disasters have already displaced eight million people in Pakistan and caused $30 billion in economic losses. The European Union’s Interactive Country Fitch reports that Pakistan’s average temperature has increased by 0.63°C over the past century, while sea levels along Karachi’s coast are rising by 1.1mm annually. By the end of this century, temperatures are projected to increase by 3 to 6°C, with catastrophic consequences.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department recorded a 52% drop in rainfall in Sindh and Balochistan between September 2024 and mid-January 2025, exacerbating water shortages
Balochistan’s erratic rainfall patterns further worsen the crisis. While some areas endure prolonged droughts, others experience unexpected downpours, leading to flash floods. The Pakistan Meteorological Department recorded a 52% drop in rainfall in Sindh and Balochistan between September 2024 and mid-January 2025, exacerbating water shortages.
For those living in remote villages across Balochistan, climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is their daily reality. Noor Bibi, a 60-year-old widow from Gwadar, has lost her livestock due to prolonged droughts.
“We used to have enough water for our animals and fields,” she recalls. “Now, the wells are dry, and my sons had to move to Karachi to find work.”
Similarly, fishermen along Balochistan’s coast are struggling. Rising sea levels and changing marine ecosystems have reduced fish stocks. “The sea is different now,” says Javed Ahmed, a fisherman from Pasni. “The catch is getting smaller, and we have to go farther out, which costs more fuel. Many of us are thinking of leaving this work.”
Climate scientists warn that if Pakistan does not act immediately, the consequences will be dire. Dr. Aisha Qureshi, an environmental researcher, emphasizes the need for urgent intervention.
“Pakistan needs to prioritize climate adaptation, particularly in vulnerable areas like Balochistan. More green spaces, heat-resistant infrastructure, and early warning systems for extreme weather events are essential.”
The Ministry of Climate Change has developed a National Adaptation Plan, but implementation has been slow. Experts suggest that Pakistan should focus on reforestation, water conservation, and energy-efficient urban planning.
“We need better water management strategies,” says water expert Dr. Kamran Ali. “Balochistan’s underground water reserves are depleting fast. Rainwater harvesting and desalination plants could be game-changers.”
Pakistan’s extreme heat crisis is part of a larger global phenomenon. Scientists attribute rising temperatures to human-induced climate change, further intensified by El Niño effects. The United States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warns that El Niño events are becoming more intense, worsening heatwaves worldwide.
In 2022, Europe recorded 61,672 heat-related deaths. The World Meteorological Organisation has classified heatwaves as the deadliest weather-related disaster globally. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has urged nations to cut carbon emissions, adopt renewable energy sources, and implement climate-resilient policies to prevent further escalation.
Pakistan stands at a crossroads. The country must decide whether to become a climate adaptation success story or suffer irreversible losses. Dr. Qureshi believes that time is running out.
“If we don’t act now, Balochistan’s future generations will inherit a wasteland.”
For residents of Balochistan, the fight against climate change is not just about policies—it is about survival. Noor Bibi, the widow from Gwadar, sums it up best:
“We don’t need promises. We need action before it’s too late.”