MULTAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Oct, 2025) Experts stressed the need for exploring how shifting weather patterns are changing
the face of winter in South Punjab -- bringing new health challenges, uncertain crops,
and an urgent call for environmental action.
As winter approaches South Punjab, the signs of climate change are becoming increasingly
evident -- shorter cold spells, erratic rain patterns, and a surge in seasonal diseases.
Once known for its chilly nights and long winters, the region now faces unpredictable
temperature swings that are reshaping the health and lifestyle of its people.
Environmental experts say that average winter temperatures in South Punjab have risen
by 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius over the past decade. The phenomenon, they warn, is linked
to global warming, deforestation, and unplanned urbanization. "The winters are not disappearing,
but they are changing in nature -- shorter, drier, and often more polluted," said Dr. Asim Raza,
a climate researcher at Bahauddin Zakariya University.
The health implications are serious. Local hospitals in Multan, Bahawalpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan
have reported a noticeable rise in respiratory infections, allergies, and viral flu cases during early
winter months.
According to health department data, chest infections among elderly citizens
and children have increased by nearly 30 percent over the last five years.
Farmers are also feeling the pinch. The altered weather cycle is affecting the sowing and
harvesting period of key crops like wheat and cotton. "Earlier, we used to sow wheat by
mid-November. Now, we often wait until December because the soil doesn't cool down
on time," said Allah Ditta, a farmer from Shujabad.
Environmentalists urge urgent action -- including large-scale tree plantation, cleaner fuel
adoption, and stricter control on industrial emissions -- to mitigate the effects of climate
change. They believe that public awareness and community-level initiatives can help the
region adapt to these shifting conditions.
Despite these challenges, local authorities claim efforts are underway to reduce pollution
and strengthen environmental monitoring. However, experts stress that climate adaptation
must become a part of policy planning, not just a seasonal response.
As South Punjab braces for another uncertain winter, the signs are clear: the climate
is changing, and so must the people's response to it.