Pakistan is facing a severe heatwave that has prompted authorities to extend summer holidays in over 100,000 schools across the country. Schools in southern Sindh province will see their summer vacations extended by two weeks, a decision made with the well-being of children in mind. Atif Vighio, a spokesperson for the education department in Sindh, stated that the additional 14-day closure is intended to protect students from the extreme heat.
The ongoing power supply crisis in Pakistan has resulted in frequent load-shedding, or planned power cuts. While the duration of these cuts varies from city to city, rural areas of Sindh experience power outages lasting over 12 hours daily. This leaves schools without fans during the sweltering heat, making it unbearable for students. A public school teacher expressed concern for both their students’ well-being and the ability to complete the curriculum amidst the challenging conditions.
Pakistan’s vulnerability to extreme weather events is a consequence of climate change. The country has witnessed hotter and more frequent heatwaves, as well as heavier and longer monsoons. In May and June, Pakistan grappled with a series of heatwaves, pushing temperatures in parts of rural Sindh above 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit). Authorities in Punjab, the country’s most populous province, had already preemptively extended summer vacations by a week in May to shield children from the blistering heat.
Despite contributing less than one percent to global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan has faced severe weather-related disasters in recent years due to changing weather patterns. The government has acknowledged that over 26 million children are out of school due to poverty. UNICEF, the UN children’s agency, has reported that over three-quarters of children in South Asia, amounting to 460 million, are exposed to temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) for at least 83 days annually.
The current situation highlights the urgent need to address the impacts of climate change, particularly in vulnerable regions like Pakistan. Ensuring the safety and well-being of children amidst extreme weather events remains a critical priority for the country.
