UNS Report
Climate change is posing an increasingly serious threat to the health, safety and future of children in Pakistan, with a new United Nations report warning that nearly 34 million children are exposed to risks from extreme heat, heatwaves, droughts and flash floods.
According to the report, millions of children across Pakistan are living in areas highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters. The UN noted that children are among the most affected and least protected groups facing the growing impacts of climate change, making them particularly susceptible to health complications and displacement.
Child health expert Dr Abdul Jabbar Bhutto described the situation as alarming, stating that climate-related hazards threaten not only the lives of children but also their long-term physical and mental well-being.
Experts warned that children residing near rivers, streams and glacier-fed regions in northern Pakistan face an increased risk of flash floods, while those living in plains and arid areas are increasingly vulnerable to extreme temperatures and prolonged heatwaves.
Health authorities have advised parents to take preventive measures during the ongoing summer season, including ensuring adequate hydration, limiting exposure to extreme heat and closely monitoring children for signs of heat-related illnesses.
Deputy Director at the Ministry of Health, Dr Rabia Javed, said rising temperatures, accelerated glacier melting and intense cloudbursts could trigger sudden flash floods, placing children and families in vulnerable regions at greater risk.
The report further highlighted that climate-related threats could impact nearly 296 million children worldwide, including millions in Pakistan, India and Nigeria, underscoring the urgent need for stronger climate adaptation measures and child-focused disaster preparedness strategies.
Environmental experts have called for increased investment in climate resilience, early warning systems and public awareness campaigns to protect children from the escalating effects of climate change and extreme weather events.
