Sindh's Forests Vanish: A Man-Made Heatwave Crisis

Sindh is grappling with an escalating heatwave crisis directly linked to extensive deforestation. The province has lost an estimated 80 percent of its forest cover, a trend significantly accelerated over the last 30 years. This environmental degradation is attributed to systemic corruption within the Sindh Forest Department, where bribes facilitate the constant flow of illegally logged timber trucks, especially towards Karachi.

The consequences of this unchecked deforestation are dire, leading to increased intensity and frequency of heatwaves. Official reports from June 2025 highlighted thousands of hospital admissions for heat-related illnesses and substantial livestock deaths. Furthermore, an estimated 8.6 million people faced heightened food insecurity due to compounding heat and drought risks.

The article details a long history of forest destruction, starting from colonial-era exploitation for infrastructure to post-partition policies that continued the unsustainable extraction of timber. Weak law enforcement, outdated legislation, and policies like the 2005 Agroforestry Policy have created loopholes exploited for commercial gain, rather than conservation.

Efforts to combat this crisis require more than afforestation drives. Structural reforms are crucial, including strengthening the Sindh Forest Department, updating forest legislation, and enhancing enforcement through technology like satellite imagery. Without addressing the root causes of governance failure and corruption, efforts to reverse the damage will remain insufficient.