Over a Dozen Reported Dead Amid Cold Wave in Karachi

Karachi’s ongoing cold wave has tragically claimed the lives of 13 individuals over the past six weeks, with the majority being homeless people and drug addicts, according to the Chhipa Foundation.

The victims’ bodies were found at various locations across the city, many of them unidentified. Speaking to Express News, Chhipa Foundation spokesperson Chaudhry Shahid Hussain revealed that since December 2024, at least 43 individuals—42 men and one woman—have died due to drug overdoses in Karachi. Among these, more than 13 deaths are suspected to be linked to cold exposure.

“These individuals were primarily drug addicts without access to blankets, mattresses, or warm clothing to shield themselves from the cold,” Hussain explained. “To cope, they consumed excessive drugs and sought shelter under bridges, on pavements, or in other exposed areas. However, without adequate insulation, the combination of drug overdoses and harsh winter temperatures likely proved fatal.”

Hussain also noted that the foundation takes responsibility for burying unidentified bodies discovered on city streets using its own resources. He highlighted that Karachi is facing an unusually severe winter this year, which has left hundreds of homeless individuals struggling to survive without proper protection against the cold.

He urged philanthropists to step forward and donate essential items such as blankets, mattresses, and warm clothing to help safeguard the city’s homeless population. “While the Chhipa Foundation is doing everything possible to protect the homeless from the harsh weather, we need more resources to sustain these efforts,” he added.

The city’s unusually cold weather continues to pose a significant threat to its vulnerable populations, emphasizing the urgent need for community support and coordinated relief efforts.