Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has issued urgent directives to district administrations in response to an intensifying heatwave affecting several parts of the province.
He also took strict notice of a shocking case of animal cruelty in Jacobabad.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, districts including Jamshoro, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Ghotki and Sanghar are currently in the grip of extreme temperatures.
In response, in a statement issued to the media on Saturday, Shah instructed the local authorities in the affected areas to establish heatwave relief camps to assist residents. He also directed hospitals to make special arrangements for heatstroke patients to ensure prompt and effective treatment.
He urged the public to take precautionary measures before stepping out in the heat, including covering their heads, staying hydrated and remaining in shaded areas. He cautioned against working under direct sunlight, and emphasised that while daily activities continue, health must not be compromised.
In a separate development, Shah took strong notice of an incident in Jacobabad where a donkey was brutally attacked with axes. Condemning the act, he said that such barbaric violence against a defenceless animal would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
He directed the relevant authorities to take immediate legal action against those involved, and ensure that the injured animal receives urgent medical care and proper treatment.
He remarked that kindness towards animals is a fundamental requirement of society, and such cruelty is deeply alarming. He warned that no individual taking the law into their own hands would be granted leniency.
On the directives of Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi on Saturday, deputy commissioners in various districts, with the cooperation of town municipal corporations, have set up stalls for cold drinking water at bus stops, markets, and public places to protect citizens from heatstroke in view of the expected heatwave.
Officials said on Saturday that a meeting of deputy commissioners and relevant departments was held under Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi, in which it was decided that heatstroke centers would be established in all districts to protect citizens in view of the expected heatwave.
Special arrangements will be made in hospitals for the treatment of heatstroke in any emergency situation. It was decided that heatstroke camps will be provided with facilities for immediate medical aid, cold drinking water, ORS, shaded areas, wet towels, and first aid.
Arrangements will be made to provide medical facilities at heatstroke centers, while heat stroke units will be established in various hospitals for treatment. Heatstroke centers will be exempt from loadshedding, the meeting decided.
The meeting was attended by deputy commissioners and officers of relevant departments.
Assistant Commissioner Headquarters Rabia Syed informed the meeting that eight camps have been established in District Central, two camps have been set up in Gulberg Sub-Division, one in FB Area while the other has been established at Karimabad.
Moreover, two have been established in New Karachi at Sindh Government Hospital and Urban Health Hospital. One has been set up in Liaquatabad, one in Nazimabad, and two in North Nazimabad. Four camps have been set up in District South, four in District Keamari, and two in District Korangi as yet.
The deputy commissioners said they are taking measures to establish camps and centers at other locations.
Commissioner Naqvi has directed all deputy commissioners to take measures to protect citizens from heatstroke. He asked the K-Electric administration to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to heatstroke centers.
He expressed hope that all relevant departments and hospitals will take precautionary measures to deal with any untoward situation during this period. It was also decided that special arrangements will be made for heatwave-affected individuals at all hospitals including, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre and Civil Hospital.
