KARACHI:
As we enter May, temperatures are already pushing toward the 50°C mark in several regions, transforming our environmental challenge into a full-blown labour crisis. According to recent reports, nearly 43% of Pakistan’s workforce is engaged in agriculture, with millions more in construction and daily-wage outdoor roles. These individuals are the backbone of our economy, yet they are the most vulnerable to the “invisible toll” of climate change. With inflation recently returning to double digits at 10.9%, these workers cannot afford to take a day off, even when the heat becomes life-threatening. The human cost is staggering; heat-related deaths are projected to rise significantly if we do not move beyond mere warnings.
It is time for the government and the private sector to implement mandatory “Heat Safety Protocols”. This should include legally protected break times during peak sun hours (12:00 noon to 3pm) for outdoor workers, provision of hydration stations in industrial hubs, and a national insurance framework for climate-affected labourers. We cannot boast of economic resilience while our most essential workers are collapsing under the sun.
Addressing climate change is no longer just about planting trees; it is about protecting human dignity and the lives of those who build our nation.
Fatima Jahangir
Charsadda
