Pakistan’s meteorological department has issued a drought alarm due to significantly below average rainfall across the country and warns that conditions could be worsened in southern and eastern regions.
Between September 1, 2024 and March 21, 2025, rainfall was 40% below normal nationwide. Sindh registered a deficit of 62%, while Balochistan experienced a 52%decrease, according to official data.
Other regions also faced remarkable deficits: Punjab saw 38% less rainfall, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 35% and Azad Kashmir 29% compared to historic average.
The Met Office said recent rain improved conditions in the central and upper regions, but southern Sindh, parts of Balochistan and Eastern plains of Punjab still stand with dry conditions.
“There is severe water button in Tarbela and Mangla Dams,” the department said, adding that average temperatures in southern areas in March are 2-3 ° C above normal.
It also noted that the number of consecutive dry days in some southern regions has surpassed 200 and warned that the situation may be further aggravated if rainfall is not improved.
