Karachi is once again bracing for intense summer heat. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that temperatures in parts of Sindh could exceed 50°C, showing the kind of heat that is coming.
In a city where millions already contend with urban stresses, extreme heat is more than a weather event, it is a test of the resilience of essential services. Access to electricity and water becomes critical during such periods, particularly for children, senior citizens, those with underlying health conditions, and low-income households.
Utilities must be especially vigilant. Power providers need to ensure network reliability and swift restoration in the event of faults. In my area, KE ensured power supply during the last heatwave.
Water authorities must also prioritise uninterrupted supply and communicate transparently with consumers where constraints arise.
As climate-related weather extremes become more frequent, Karachi must move beyond treating heatwaves as seasonal occurrences.
Strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure and essential services should be viewed as a long-term investment in the city’s ability to withstand a hotter future.
Ahsan Idrees (Karachi)
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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