The Pakistan Meteorological Department’s Drought Monitoring Centre has issued a warning about an impending flash drought, with conditions expected to worsen in Sindh, Balochistan, and large parts of Punjab.
The situation is particularly concerning as drought intensity is projected to increase, posing serious risks to agriculture, water resources, and daily life.
In Sindh, moderate drought conditions are likely to impact Padidan, Shaheed Benazirabad, Dadu, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, and Karachi, while Ghotki, Jacobabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Khairpur, and Sanghar are expected to experience a milder drought. In Balochistan, moderate drought is forecasted for Gwadar, Kech, Lasbela, Panjgur, and Awaran, whereas Chagai, Jafarabad, Jhal Magsi, Sibi, Noshki, and Washuk are likely to face mild drought conditions. Meanwhile, in Punjab, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan are also expected to experience mild drought.
Drought conditions are already persistent in the southern parts of Sindh and Balochistan, as well as the lower eastern plains of Punjab. The situation has been exacerbated by 40% below-normal rainfall recorded across the country between September 1, 2024, and March 21, 2025. The most severe deficiencies have been observed in Sindh (62% below normal), Balochistan (52%), and Punjab (38%), creating a critical water shortage. This has led to dangerously low water levels in Tarbela and Mangla dams, while rivers across the country are flowing at critically low levels.
Adding to the crisis, the southern regions of the country have recorded temperatures 2-3°C higher than normal in March 2025. Some areas have now experienced over 200 consecutive dry days, intensifying the drought’s impact on water availability, agriculture, and livestock.
With worsening conditions, experts warn that water conservation and drought mitigation strategies must be implemented urgently to prevent a full-scale crisis. Without immediate action, Pakistan could face severe challenges in food security and water accessibility in the coming months.