KARACHI/PESHAWAR/QUETTA:
As a biting cold descends on the country, dense winter airs have wrapped cities in their icy grip, with the cold expected to intensify with night temperatures likely to plummet to 4-7°C.
With Karachi shivering at a possible low of 6°C on Sunday and Monday, cold, dry winds are forecast to hit the city.
According to the Meteorological Department, the minimum temperature on Saturday was recorded at 12.5°C, while in the morning dense fog reduced visibility to 1,200 meters.
The good weather, although welcomed by some, has led to an increase in health problems. As the city begins to feel the icy breath of winter, hospitals are bearing the brunt of its effects.
Dr Khalid Bukhari, Medical Superintendent (MS) of Karachi Civil Hospital, reported an influx of patients suffering from flu, colds, coughs and respiratory infections, with hundreds of them seeking treatment daily.
He advised residents to wrap themselves in warm clothing, cover their heads and consume nutritious broths and hot drinks to ward off illness.
Dr. Bukhari also urged caution for school-going children, stressing the importance of wearing long-sleeved clothing and hats. “Do not let children sleep under fans or ride a motorcycle without adequate protection, as direct exposure to cold wind can cause chest infections,” he warned.
The city’s Jinnah Hospital echoed similar concerns, reporting dozens of cases of pneumonia and flu in its emergency rooms.
Dr Abdul Wahid Rajput, medical superintendent of Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital and Research Center in Nipa, noticed a rise in measles and pneumonia cases due to falling temperatures.
He appealed to parents to monitor children for symptoms such as fever and skin rashes, advising immediate medical consultation.
At Lyari General Hospital, Dr Jamil Mughal revealed that the emergency department was dealing with daily cases of flu and measles.
Pediatric specialist Dr Faisal highlighted the rapid spread of measles among children and advised parents to ensure that children wear warm clothing and consume homemade hot drinks and boiled eggs to build immunity.
Elsewhere in Sindh, the cold wave has gripped rural areas, with Khairpur recording a chilling 6°C, the lowest in the province.
Similarly, in Quetta, the cold weather showed no signs of abating on Saturday, but residents were seen embracing the cold enthusiastically and enjoying a variety of dry fruits.
Peanuts, in particular, became a highlight of the season, as citizens flocked to buy them. Despite the icy winds that hit the city, people were determined to savor the winter in high spirits.
The good weather proved to be a ray of hope for traders, with dry fruit shops packed with a constant influx of customers eager to stock up on seasonal delicacies.
Snow covers upper regions of North Korea
Meanwhile, the upper regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are experiencing the first snowfall of the season, intensifying the cold. The provincial capital, Peshawar, had cloudy skies and temperatures that dropped to 5°C.
In areas like Tirah Valley and Chitral, heavy snowfall has not only enhanced the natural beauty but also posed challenges for locals, including disruption of transportation.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), efforts are underway to clear snow-blocked routes. Despite the cold, the accessible regions continue to attract tourists who enjoy the snowy landscapes.
Tourists flock to areas like the Tirah Valley and Chitral, marveling at the natural beauty. However, for locals, the cold is a double-edged sword. Freezing temperatures have frozen travel routes, leaving many residents exposed to the cold.
