Newsdesk

At least eight people lost their lives in Karachi on Monday, rescue officials confirmed, with some of the deaths linked to the ongoing intense heatwave affecting the city.

According to rescue authorities, four bodies were recovered from different areas, while four individuals died after being shifted to hospitals in critical condition.

The deceased were reported from Manghopir, Gulshan-e-Hadeed, Boat Basin, and the Suparco Road area.

The other victims were brought from Liaquatabad, Jamali Bridge, Surjani Town, and Defence Phase 8, where their condition had deteriorated before they could survive.

Officials stated that some of the deceased were drug users, while others were suspected to have died due to severe heat exposure amid extreme weather conditions.

The incidents occurred as Karachi continues to experience a sharp rise in temperature and persistently hot and dry weather.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department reported that Monday marked the hottest day of the year in the city, with temperatures reaching 44.1°C.

The Met Office forecast that hot and humid conditions will continue on Tuesday, with temperatures expected around 39°C. It added that while sea breezes may persist, high humidity will intensify the “feels-like” temperature.

Medical experts have advised citizens to limit outdoor movement during peak hours, particularly between 11am and 3pm, stay hydrated, and take precautionary measures to avoid heat-related illnesses. They also recommended avoiding street food, drinking boiled water, and maintaining hygiene to prevent gastrointestinal diseases.

Residents have further been urged to wear light-colored, loose clothing and cover their heads when stepping outdoors as the heatwave continues to intensify.

ISLAMABAD: A high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reviewed security arrangements for refineries and oil storage installations across the country.

According to an official statement, the meeting was attended by the Minister for IT, Minister of State for Finance, secretaries of petroleum and interior, along with senior government officials.

During the briefing, participants were informed that security measures are being strengthened in coordination with all relevant stakeholders and oil marketing companies.

It was noted that the additional cost of enhanced security arrangements will be borne by the oil marketing companies.

The Deputy Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the existing security framework during the meeting.

The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring the protection of critical energy infrastructure and maintaining an uninterrupted supply of fuel across the country.

The meeting also reviewed the national stock position of petroleum, oil, and lubricants. The Ministry of Petroleum briefed the participants on fuel reserves, stating that sufficient stocks are available to ensure uninterrupted supply of petroleum products across the country until the third week of June 2026.

It was further informed that the supply situation is being monitored on a daily basis through the National Coordination and Management Committee, ensuring effective oversight and proactive supply chain management.