A new study has warned that Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to El Niño-driven climate change, with Lahore and Faisalabad projected to become some of the hottest cities in the world by 2050.
The research suggests that rising temperatures linked to El Niño could sharply increase heat-related risks across the country. Lahore and Faisalabad are expected to face more extreme weather conditions in the coming decades, raising concerns over a possible increase in heat-related illnesses and deaths.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has also expressed concern over the growing frequency and intensity of heatwaves. Chief Meteorologist Lahore Dr. Zaheer Babar said El Niño is contributing to rising temperatures, while rapid urban expansion is further worsening the situation.
He noted that high-rise buildings, increasing vehicle emissions, shrinking green spaces, and the rapid spread of housing societies in cities such as Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan are strengthening the urban heat island effect. As a result, temperatures in major cities are rising faster and heatwaves are becoming more severe.
Climate experts have also warned that El Niño may lead to below-normal rainfall in Pakistan this year, increasing the risk of drought-like conditions and prolonged periods of extreme heat.
Environmental expert Dr. Zulfiqar Ahmad cited research showing that while global temperatures have risen by around 1.5 percent, the increase has been much higher in several Pakistani cities. According to the findings, temperatures have climbed by 4.5 percent in Karachi and 4.1 percent in Lahore.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) Lahore said several plantation initiatives are underway to help reduce the impact of rising temperatures. He added that housing societies are required to allocate at least seven percent of their land for tree plantation before obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC).
Experts stressed that urgent and practical steps are needed to deal with the growing threat of climate change and protect future generations from increasingly severe heatwaves and environmental challenges.
