Pakistan commonly faces floods, heatwaves, droughts, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), cyclones (in coastal areas), and landslides. Climate change has significantly increased the frequency, intensity, and unpredictability of these hazards. Rising temperatures are accelerating glacier melt in the north, causing floods, while changing monsoon patterns are leading to extreme rainfall and prolonged dry spells. Heatwaves have become more severe, especially in urban areas.Northern regions (Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa): GLOFs, landslides, flash floods. Punjab and Sindh plains: Riverine and urban flooding, heatwaves. Balochistan: Severe droughts and water scarcity. Coastal Sindh (Thatta, Badin, Karachi): Cyclones, sea-level rise, coastal erosion
These areas are vulnerable due to geography, weak infrastructure, and dependence on climate-sensitive livelihoods.
The most affected communities include:Rural farming communities – crop loss, livestock deaths, food insecurity, low-income urban populations – poor housing, lack of drainage, heat stress, women, children, and elderly – limited mobility, health risks, water scarcity, fisherfolk and coastal communities – declining fish stocks, saltwater intrusion
These groups are most vulnerable due to poverty, limited access to resources, and dependence on natural systems.
Communities use several traditional and adaptive strategies, such as, building raised houses in flood-prone areas, rainwater harvesting and water storage.