The warning issued by the National Disaster Management Authority’s National Emergencies Operations Center (NEOC) about an approaching severe cold wave is a timely reminder of the vulnerabilities Pakistan faces during harsh winter spells. With freezing conditions expected to persist across Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Potohar region and northern Balochistan, and an anticipated sharp drop in temperatures in Quetta, Ziarat and Kalat, the coming days demand heightened preparedness from both authorities and citizens.
Severe winters are not new to these regions, yet their impacts are often underestimated until daily life is disrupted. Prolonged cold spells place immense pressure on already fragile infrastructure, particularly in mountainous and high-altitude areas. Road closures due to snow, disruptions in power supply and limited access to healthcare can quickly turn a weather event into a humanitarian challenge. In remote areas, where communities depend on a narrow window of access routes, sustained cold can isolate populations and delay relief efforts.
The NEOC’s caution regarding respiratory ailments is especially significant. Cold weather exacerbates illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia, posing serious risks to children, the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. In regions where healthcare facilities are sparse or under-resourced, preventive measures become critical. Public awareness about proper clothing, indoor heating safety and early medical consultation can significantly reduce avoidable health complications.
Equally concerning is the threat posed to agriculture. Standing crops are highly vulnerable to frost damage, particularly in northern Balochistan and parts of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where livelihoods are closely tied to seasonal produce. Crop losses not only affect farmers’ incomes but also contribute to broader food supply pressures and inflation. Advising farmers to adopt protective measures is essential, but these advisories must be backed by practical support, such as access to timely information, agricultural guidance and, where possible, compensation mechanisms for weather-induced losses.
The warning about dense fog in plain areas highlights another recurring winter hazard. Reduced visibility during early morning hours often leads to traffic accidents, disrupting transport and endangering lives.
This calls for greater coordination between meteorological services, traffic authorities and local administrations to ensure that warnings translate into concrete safety measures on roads and highways.
The NDMA’s assurance of timely early warnings and dissemination of information is encouraging, as proactive communication remains the cornerstone of effective disaster risk management. However, warnings alone are not enough. Provincial and local governments must ensure that contingency plans are operational, emergency response teams are on alert and essential supplies are pre-positioned in vulnerable areas. Community-level preparedness, including local volunteers and disaster response units, can play a decisive role in mitigating the worst effects of severe weather.
As climate variability increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, cold waves should no longer be viewed as routine seasonal challenges. They demand sustained planning, investment in resilient infrastructure and a culture of preparedness. The current advisory offers an opportunity to act early. How effectively authorities and communities respond will determine whether this winter passes as a manageable hardship or escalates into a preventable crisis.