The United Nations has warned that climate change is placing millions of Pakistani children at risk. Around 34 million children face growing threats from extreme heat, heatwaves, drought, and flash floods. Consequently, health experts have urged immediate action to protect vulnerable communities.
Children Face Rising Climate Risks
According to the latest UN report, millions of children live in areas increasingly exposed to severe weather. The report identified children as one of the most vulnerable groups affected by climate change.
Child health specialist Dr Abdul Jabbar Bhutto described the situation as alarming. He said nearly 35 million children face climate-related risks that could harm both their immediate safety and long-term health.
Experts warned that children living near rivers, streams, and glaciers in northern Pakistan face greater danger from flash floods. Meanwhile, those residing in plains and desert regions remain highly vulnerable to extreme temperatures and prolonged heatwaves.
Health Officials Urge Preventive Measures
Health authorities have advised parents to take extra precautions during the coming weeks. They recommended keeping children hydrated, limiting outdoor exposure during peak heat, and following safety measures to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Deputy Director at the Ministry of Health Dr Rabia Javed warned that rising temperatures are accelerating glacier melting. Furthermore, she said intense cloudbursts could trigger sudden flash floods, placing families in vulnerable areas at significant risk.
UNICEF also highlighted the wider regional impact of climate change. The agency estimated that nearly 296 million children across Pakistan, India, and Nigeria could face climate-related threats.
The report underscores the growing need for stronger climate adaptation measures and improved disaster preparedness to safeguard children from increasingly frequent extreme weather events.
