34 million Pakistani children face growing climate risks: UN

News Desk 

Islamabad: Climate change has become one of the biggest threats to children’s future, with the United Nations (UN) warning that around 34 million children in Pakistan are living in areas highly vulnerable to extreme heat, heatwaves, drought and flash floods.

According to the latest UN report, children are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, facing increasing risks to their health, safety and overall well-being as extreme weather events become more frequent.

Child health specialist Dr Abdul Jabbar Bhutto described the situation as deeply concerning, saying that nearly 35 million children are at risk. He warned that climate change not only threatens children’s lives but also poses long-term health risks for those who survive extreme weather events.

Experts say children living near rivers, streams and glaciers in Pakistan’s northern regions face an increased danger from flash floods triggered by glacier melt and heavy rainfall.

Meanwhile, children in the country’s plains and desert regions are increasingly exposed to severe heatwaves and dangerously high temperatures.

Health officials have urged parents to remain vigilant during the peak summer weeks by protecting children from extreme heat, ensuring adequate hydration and staying alert to weather warnings.

Deputy Director at the Ministry of Health Dr Rabia Javed said communities could face sudden cloudbursts or rapid glacier melting caused by intense heat, both of which can trigger devastating flash floods. She noted that children living with their families in vulnerable areas are particularly exposed to these hazards.

UNICEF has also warned that climate-related threats could affect approximately 296 million children across the region, including millions living in Pakistan, India and Nigeria, highlighting the urgent need for stronger climate resilience and child protection measures.