Islamabad (TDI): The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of Pakistan issued a warning which says that growing summer temperatures are likely to accelerate glacier and snow melt.
This fast melting poses an immediate risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), flash floods, and landslides in the country’s northern mountainous regions.
The body has strongly advised public to avoid traveling to hilly areas, citing the potential for sudden environmental disruptions and unstable terrain.
It added that the surge in heat could trigger catastrophic events in high-altitude zones, particularly across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.
Travelers and residents have been warned against visiting glacial lakes or unstable slopes as rising water levels and shifting soil increase the probability of landslides.
The NDMA further warned that forecasted thunderstorms, accompanied by heavy rain and hail over the next 24 hours could damage weak structures, solar panels, and vehicles.
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In response to these climate risks, all relevant government departments have been directed to remain on high alert and implement necessary precautionary measures.
The public is urged to strictly follow official weather advisories and utilize the NDMA’s disaster alert mobile application for real-time updates.
This proactive stance comes as Pakistan continues to struggle with its status as one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, despite contributing less than one percent to global greenhouse gas emissions.
The NDMA also highlighted that irregular weather patterns including heatwaves and torrential rains have become increasingly frequent.
Following the devastating floods of 2025, which claimed over 1,000 lives, the government has also repeatedly called on the international community to operationalize the “Loss and Damage” fund.
As the current heatwave persists, the focus remains on minimizing human and economic losses through timely communication and community preparedness in the high risk regions of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the northern territories.
Muhammad Usman Hashmi is a researcher in International Relations, focusing on climate diplomacy, global governance, and political economy in the Global South. He has contributed to policy dialogues with the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia and serves as a Senior Research Fellow at the International Council on Human Rights, Peace and Politics. He is also associated with Rethinking Economics Islamabad, contributing to research on development and sustainability.
