The Pakistan Meteorological Department has published an alert of drought due to precipitation significantly lower than the average across the country, warning that the conditions could get worse in the southern and east regions.
Between September 1, 2024 and March 21, 2025, precipitation was 40% below normal normal. The Sindh recorded a deficit of 62%, while Balutchistan experienced a decrease of 52%, according to official data.
Other regions have also been faced with notable deficits: Punjab has seen 38% in less precipitation, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 35% and Azad Cachemire 29% compared to historical averages.
The Met Office said that recent rains have improved conditions in central and higher regions, but southern Sindh, parts of Balutchistan and the eastern plains of Punjab continue to deal with dry conditions.
“There is a serious shortage of water in the Tarbela and Mangla dams,” said the ministry, adding that average temperatures in the southern areas in March are 2 to 3 ° C above normal.
He also noted that in certain southern regions, the number of consecutive dry days exceeded 200 and warned that the situation could deteriorate more if the precipitation does not improve.
