Karachi Commissioner Syed Hasan Naqvi has denied the reported death toll of the heatwave that has engulfed the coastal city, asserting that the actual number of deaths is lower than claimed and remains unconfirmed by officials.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, the commissioner disclosed that ten people had succumbed to heatstroke over the past two days, with approximately 1,700 cases of heatstroke reported across the city.
Providing specifics on recent fatalities, Naqvi stated that eight deaths occurred on Monday and two on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the Edhi Foundation estimated around 568 deaths from heatwave-related medical emergencies, and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan voiced concerns on the impact of the extreme weather and its extent.
It is reportedly the first time since 2015 that temperatures in Karachi reached 42°C in June, with “feels like” temperatures peaking at 51°C.
Addressing the unverified reporters, the commissioner urged welfare organisations to verify death figures with government authorities before releasing them to the public.
Naqvi also instructed Karachi-Electric (KE) to refrain from load shedding between 12am and 6am during the heatwave, which typically lasts two to three days.
The Karachi administration has established 124 heatwave centres equipped with water facilities as well as specialised wards in hospitals to provide medical aid to those affected by heatwave.
