Karachi Heatwave: Struggles of Daily-Wage Workers Highlighted

The scorching heatwave in Karachi, with temperatures soaring up to 40 degrees Celsius, has brought about significant challenges for the city's daily-wage workers and street vendors. While those in air-conditioned offices enjoy comfort, individuals like Karim Khan, a 55-year-old laborer, and Haroon, a toy seller, are grappling with the harsh realities of the weather.

Karim Khan shared how the heatwave has severely impacted their livelihoods, pushing them to seek assistance from charitable sources for sustenance. Similarly, Haroon highlighted the struggles of conducting business without adequate shade, leading to a notable decline in earnings.

Dr. Ruhi Ahmed, an economist, pointed out the decrease in business activity for street vendors during the heatwave, resulting in fewer customers during the day. Atiq Mir, President of the Karachi Traders Union, expressed worries about the deserted markets and the challenges faced by daily-wage workers in securing employment.

Many individuals have resorted to selling cold water and frozen treats to make ends meet, with profit margins ranging from 30 to 50 percent. Ali, a young vendor, described his daily routine of selling cold water at a bus stop, underscoring the temporary nature of such ventures.

Despite assurances from the government, the absence of cold water facilities in public spaces has forced people to depend on vendors for relief from the heat. Families like Yusuf's are opting for ice popsicles from makeshift vendors due to rising prices, while Dr. Farooq Khan cautioned about the quality of water and ice products sold in public areas.

Waqar Mehdi, a leader of Sindh's ruling party, has pledged to implement initiatives to create job opportunities and establish cold water facilities in public places to mitigate the impact of the heatwave on the vulnerable population.

The heatwave in Karachi has shed light on the struggles faced by daily-wage workers and street vendors during extreme weather conditions. It is imperative for authorities to take proactive measures to support these marginalized groups and ensure access to essential resources like cold water to safeguard the well-being of the community.