KARACHI: Commissioner Karachi Syed Hasan Naqvi denied claims of widespread deaths in the city due to an intense heatwave, stating that 10 people died over two days in the Karachi division.

In a media briefing at his office, the commissioner refuted reports of large-scale deaths due to severe heat in the city, saying that data from various sources confirmed the deaths of 10 individuals due to humid conditions. Naqvi cited data collected from hospitals, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) burial records, and mortuaries.

He emphasized that the reported large-scale deaths were inaccurate and not confirmed by any source. He added that around 1,700 heat stroke patients were admitted to hospitals in the Karachi division. Naqvi noted that mortuaries typically do not record the cause of death, requiring the administration to contact the deceased’s families. Only about five percent of respondents mentioned heat stroke as the cause of death.

The commissioner stated that the city administration is taking emergency measures to address the heatwave situation. Regarding power supply disruptions by K-Electric, Naqvi said he would convene a meeting with utility officials to request they avoid load shedding during heatwave spells, which usually last two or three days. He also urged KE to ensure uninterrupted power supply from midnight to 6:00 am.

Naqvi advised citizens against spreading unverified information.

Meanwhile, the Sindh government ordered an immediate investigation into the ‘mysterious deaths’ in Karachi after more than two dozen bodies were found in three days. Interior Minister of Sindh, Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar, expressed deep grief and regret over the incidents and ordered an investigation to determine the cause. He stated that if the inquiry reveals prolonged load shedding as a primary cause, K-Electric officials would be held accountable and potentially face murder charges.