Karachi commissioner rejects reports of large-scale deaths due to heatwave

Naqvi urges welfare organisations not to release mortality data before govt verification

Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi dismissed reports of large-scale fatalities in the city due to the recent heatwave, stating that the figures being circulated are incorrect.

Speaking to the media at the Commissioner House in Karachi on Wednesday, he clarified that the heatwave affected 1,700 people and resulted in 10 deaths. However, he acknowledged a 4% to 5% increase in the death rate in the city while further investigations are underway.

Addressing reports of mysterious deaths, he explained that information from hospitals indicates that deaths from heart attacks and other medical conditions are not linked to the heatwave. 

Commissioner Naqvi mentioned that on June 25, 147 people were hospitalised due to heat-related illnesses. Except for two, all patients were discharged after recovery. The two individuals who died had been admitted to Qatar Hospital on June 25.

Naqvi urged welfare organisations to coordinate with the administration on sensitive matters to prevent unnecessary panic among citizens. He stated that the situation caused by the heatwave in Karachi is under control. 

Also Read: HRCP expresses concern over heatwave deaths in Karachi

The commissioner emphasised that the unverified data being reported on the number of deaths in the city has not been confirmed by any credible source. He urged welfare organisations and other entities not to release mortality data independently, but to allow the administration to verify it first.

Naqvi highlighted that the Karachi administration is taking emergency measures to manage the situation arising from the heatwave.

He noted that the intense heat has left citizens struggling without electricity, with load-shedding lasting 12 to 14 hours. Naqvi said he plans to meet K-Electric officials to address these issues. 

He said he aims to ensure that there is no load-shedding in Karachi from midnight to 6 AM to provide relief to citizens at night and that load-shedding is avoided during heatwave warnings issued by the Meteorological Department.

Additionally, Naqvi expressed concern over water supply issues in Karachi. He questioned why areas with normal water supply are now facing disruptions. 

The Water Corporation will be tasked with providing complete details on water distribution, identifying which areas are receiving water and which are affected by supply issue, he added.