Karachi Commissioner Saleem Rajput on Wedbesday refuted claims of widespread deaths attributed to the recent heat wave in the city, asserting that only 10 fatalities due to heat stroke have been confirmed over the past two days.
Addressing journalists at his office, Commissioner Karachi emphasized the importance of verifying information before its dissemination, particularly concerning sensitive issues like public health.
He cautioned against premature releases of data by organizations, urging them to coordinate closely with governmental bodies for accurate assessments.
"The figures circulating regarding excessive deaths have not been substantiated," stated Commissioner Saleem Rajput. "We have confirmed that 10 individuals lost their lives due to heat stroke in Karachi recently."
Despite acknowledging a slight increase in the city's mortality rate compared to normal conditions, Commissioner Rajput clarified that these deaths cannot be conclusively attributed to heat stroke alone.
Efforts to mitigate the heat wave's impact are underway, with the Karachi administration implementing emergency measures. Commissioner Rajput disclosed that efforts include rigorous data collection, including coordination with local authorities managing graveyards for comprehensive information.
In response to the challenging conditions exacerbated by the heat wave, Commissioner Rajput directed K Electric to prioritize uninterrupted electricity supply during critical hours. He announced plans for a forthcoming meeting with K Electric officials to ensure consistent power provision from midnight to early morning, aiming to alleviate discomfort caused by potential load shedding.
