In Karachi, Shahbaz Ali, a 32-year-old ride-hailing motorcycle driver, embodies the resilience of those enduring a suffocating climate in Pakistan’s largest city.
When Surviving Becomes Living: The Heat Crisis in Karachi
When Surviving Becomes Living: The Heat Crisis in Karachi
The relentless heatwave in Karachi forces inhabitants to redefine the concept of living in a city where extreme temperatures and power outages are the new norm.
Shahbaz Ali starts his day drenched in sweat before 8 a.m., embarking on a 12-hour work shift despite the oppressive heat that regularly peaks above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). In Karachi, where high humidity amplifies discomfort, Shahbaz faces the arduous reality that if he stops working, he risks his family's survival. "It feels like living in a furnace," he confesses as he navigates the chaotic traffic. He often struggles against sleep deprivation due to frequent power outages caused by the extreme weather, and his concern grows deeper for his children, who often need assistance with schoolwork during blackouts. “We are enduring, not living,” he laments, highlighting a sentiment shared by many in this sprawling metropolis.
Karachi, known for its vibrant culture, now finds its residents grappling with harsh, inescapable conditions that compel a daily fight for basic survival.
Karachi, known for its vibrant culture, now finds its residents grappling with harsh, inescapable conditions that compel a daily fight for basic survival.
