Karachi traders have urged authorities to immediately end lockdown restrictions or extend business hours, citing a sharp decline in sales amid the ongoing heatwave.
Rizwan Irfan, President of the Karachi Electronics Dealers Association, appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to review the current measures. He said that due to intense heat and humidity, most customers prefer visiting markets after 5pm, making limited operating hours impractical.
He added that restricting businesses to just four hours of trading has significantly hurt commercial activity, and called for either a complete lifting of restrictions or permission for shops to remain open later in the evening.
Meanwhile, Karachi continues to experience extreme weather conditions. Blistering dry winds pushed temperatures higher across the city on Sunday. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the Old Airport recorded a maximum temperature of 40.9°C with 52% humidity, making it feel considerably hotter.
The heat index rose 4–5 degrees above the actual temperature, with some areas experiencing even harsher conditions. Gulistan-e-Johar recorded the highest temperature at 42°C, followed by Jinnah Terminal at 41.4°C, Mauripur at 40°C, and Sharae Faisal at 39.5°C.
Officials noted that a heatwave is typically declared when sea breeze remains suspended for three to five days, temperatures exceed 40°C, and humidity crosses 65%.
The Met Office has forecast continued hot and dry weather on Monday, with temperatures likely to reach 41°C due to hot northwesterly winds. Some relief is expected by evening as sea breezes may return, while temperatures are predicted to ease slightly from Tuesday, ranging between 36°C and 38°C.
