Cold lays icy hands across country

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KARACHI/PESHAWAR/QUETTA:

As a biting chill descends upon the country, thick wintery airs have wrapped cities in their icy grip, with the cold expected to intensify and nighttime temperatures likely to plummet to 4.7°C.

With Karachi shivering at a possible low of 6°C on Sunday and Monday, cold and dry winds are predicted to sweep the city.

According to the Meteorological Department, Saturday's minimum temperature was recorded at 12.5°C, while dense fog in the morning brought visibility down to 1,200 meters.

The brisk weather, while welcomed by some, has brought a surge in health concerns. As the city begins to feel winter's icy breath, hospitals are bearing the brunt of its effects.

Civil Hospital Karachi's Medical Superintendent (MS) Dr Khalid Bukhari, reported an influx of patients suffering from flu, colds, coughs, and chest infections, with hundreds seeking treatment daily.

He advised residents to bundle up with warm clothing, cover their heads and consume nourishing broths and warm beverages to fend off illnesses.

Dr Bukhari also urged caution for school-going children, stressing the importance of full-sleeved clothing and hats. "Do not let children sleep under fans or ride motorcycles without adequate protection, as direct exposure to cold winds can lead to chest infections," he warned.

The city's Jinnah Hospital echoed similar concerns, reporting dozens of pneumonia and flu cases in their emergency wards.

Dr Abdul Wahid Rajput, medical superintendent of the Sindh Infectious Disease Hospital and Research Centre at Nipa, noted an uptick in measles and pneumonia cases due to the plummeting temperatures.

He appealed to parents to monitor children for symptoms such as fever and rashes, advising immediate medical consultation.

In Lyari General Hospital, MS Dr Jamil Mughal disclosed that the emergency department was attending to daily cases of flu and measles.

Paediatric specialist Dr Faisal highlighted the rapid spread of measles among children, recommending parents ensure children wear warm clothing and consume homemade hot drinks and boiled eggs to build immunity.

In other parts of Sindh, the cold wave has gripped rural areas, with Khairpur recording a chilling 6°C, the lowest in the province.

Similarly, in Quetta, the cold weather showed no signs of relenting on Saturday, but residents were seen embracing the chill with enthusiasm, indulging in an array of dry fruits.

Peanuts, in particular, became the highlight of the season as citizens flocked to purchase them. Despite the icy winds sweeping through the city, people were determined to savour the winter with a lively spirit.

The brisk weather turned out to be a silver lining for shopkeepers, with dry fruit shops bustling with a steady influx of customers eager to stock up on seasonal delights.

Snow blankets K-P's upper regions

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's upper regions are experiencing the season's first snowfall, intensifying the cold. The provincial capital, Peshawar, saw overcast skies, with temperatures dipping to 5°C.

In areas like Tirah Valley and Chitral, heavy snowfall has not only enhanced the natural beauty but also posed challenges for locals, including disrupted transportation.

According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), efforts are underway to clear snow-blocked routes. Despite the cold, accessible regions continue to attract tourists, enjoying the snow-clad landscapes.

Tourists are flocking to areas like Tirah Valley and Chitral, marvelling at the natural beauty. However, for locals, the cold is a double-edged sword. Subzero temperatures have frozen travel routes, leaving many residents out in the cold.