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.