Climate Experts Warn of Rising Weather Extremes in Islamabad
News Desk
Islamabad: Climate experts, meteorologists, and policy specialists on Monday called for a climate-resilient master plan for Islamabad, stronger implementation of emissions laws, and a shift in urban planning priorities to safeguard the city from intensifying climate threats.
Speaking at a seminar organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) on “Abnormal Weather Patterns and Climate Change Impact on Islamabad”, participants highlighted the capital’s growing vulnerability to climate shocks, urban heat islands, and ecological degradation caused by unregulated urban sprawl.
Dr. Shafqat Munir, Deputy Executive Director of SDPI, emphasized the need for clearer and more accessible early warning systems. “The system exists, but the language must be understood by all to convey the urgency effectively,” he said. He also criticized what he termed a “coalition of the unwilling”—actors resisting climate adaptation—hindering Islamabad’s ability to respond to environmental challenges.
Pointing to major contributors such as unchecked vehicular emissions and loss of green spaces, Dr. Munir noted, “Our green belts are vanishing. Some housing societies are violating open space regulations, and policies often contradict on-ground realities.” He added that the recent hailstorm disproportionately affected Islamabad’s few remaining green pockets—a warning signal from nature.
Dr. Shahzada Adnan, Deputy Director and Senior Meteorologist, explained the science behind the unprecedented hailstorm, linking it to a strong westerly wave, rapid urbanization, and deforestation. “Islamabad’s population surged from 500,000 to 2.6 million in two decades, resulting in the loss of 36% of forest cover,” he said. “The heat island effect is intensifying, and we’re seeing a rise in extreme phenomena—from heatwaves to tropical nights.”
Dr. Adnan warned that Islamabad could face a Cape Town-like water crisis within 15 years due to declining groundwater and frequent flash droughts. He also shared updates on automated weather systems and a new flash flood guidance system designed to enhance risk mitigation.
Aftab Alam Khan, CEO of Resilient Future International, criticized the city’s transition from planned development to chaotic urban sprawl. “Green cover is down by 60 percent. Our infrastructure is trapping heat instead of mitigating it,” he said.
Khan advocated for strict enforcement of tree protection laws, penalties for violators, and localized climate adaptation plans. “Our vision must shift—from ‘Beautiful Islamabad’ to ‘Resilient Islamabad’,” he asserted.
SDPI’s Gender and Climate Expert, Sadia Satti, delivering the vote of thanks, highlighted the vulnerability of solar infrastructure in extreme weather. “Half the solar systems in affected areas were damaged during the recent storm.
There’s no insurance safety net, and middle-income families are left to bear the cost,” she said, urging investment in durable solutions and citing Texas’ tilted panel design as a potential model.
