Severe Hailstorm Warning Issued for Islamabad Amid Changing Climate Patterns
Islamabad, April 17, 2025 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a fresh alert, warning of the potential for another intense hailstorm in Islamabad, just a day after an unexpected weather event caused significant damage across the capital and nearby areas.
On Wednesday, heavy rainfall accompanied by large hailstones swept through the city, damaging vehicles and buildings. Notably, the iconic Faisal Mosque sustained partial damage, while shattered car windows and hail-covered streets were reported in multiple neighborhoods.
According to weather experts, such unseasonal and extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common. The Met Office noted that abrupt hailstorms occurring alongside ongoing heatwaves are a sign of shifting weather patterns — a phenomenon linked to climate change.
Senator Sherry Rehman, Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change, addressed the issue on social media. She highlighted the hailstorm as part of a broader pattern of escalating climate disruptions across Asia. Rehman also cited China’s recent “orange wind alert” — its strongest in a decade — as further evidence of rising climate-related risks in the region.
In her statement, Senator Rehman called for urgent action, criticizing the current state of Pakistan’s climate response. “Our dams are drying, our crops are failing, and we are still treating climate adaptation as an afterthought,” she said.
She emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive national climate strategy, particularly in the agriculture and water sectors. While basic weather updates are available to farmers, she stressed that many still lack the training, tools, and support systems necessary to cope with increasing climate unpredictability.
As Pakistan continues to face the dual threats of water scarcity and extreme weather, experts are urging both immediate preparedness and long-term planning to protect communities, infrastructure, and food security.
