Islamabad the capital city of Pakistan is located at the Potwar plateau on northern Punjab region. It is a compact city with an area of 25 square miles and population of 1.109 million (2023). The city site was chosen by the commission as the capital after Karachi was found unsuitable in 1959. In 1961 the construction began and best architects across the world were hired to blend Islamic architecture with modern patterns.
Islamabad, due to its location, experienced humid subtropical weather with all four seasons but due to urbanization and conversion of green areas to housing societies the climate change has led to shifts in weather patterns, including unpredictable rainfall, rising temperatures, and prolonged dry spell over the past years. The average summer temperature has increased by 2-3°C over the past few decades.
Islamabad has been experiencing an extended dry spell, leading to various environmental and health challenges. Once known for its chilling spell, the capital’s weather is now dry and hazy. Indeed, it is alarming for the whole nation as the same situation happened in 2022 which was followed by disastrous floods. Recently Islamabad recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 258 —36.6% higher than the World Health Organization’s safe guideline. Unfortunately, with rain falling below 52% this year, the citizens are experiencing irritating weather and allergies of sort. This dry spell and change in climate is also jeopardizing the residents into a vicious circle of viral infections.
First identified by a Deutch researcher in 2001, HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) is not new to mankind. The virus has been likely circulating in human population for decades causing respiratory illness. Symptoms of HMPV can range from mild cold to severe respiratory distress. It can affect mostly young children and older adults, but individuals with compromised immunity are more likely to get infected. The virus prevails more in late winters and early spring and unfortunately that’s the reason Islamabad is becoming a hub of residents infected with HMPV.
In 2015, a study at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad identified 21 cases of HMPV among hospitalized children. Recent reports indicate a surge of HMPV cases in China since December 2024. However, as of January 2025, no new HMPV cases have been reported in Pakistan. The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the situation, but residents of Islamabad are experiencing symptoms like fever, cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, and wheezing. While HMPV has been present in Pakistan for over two decades (first reported in 2001), there is currently no cause for alarm. Health authorities continue to monitor the situation to ensure public safety.
As for the citizens, preventive measures including regular handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and practicing proper respiratory hygiene, such as covering mouths while coughing and sneezing should be done at the earliest. Use of masks at public places should also be a mandatory practice. If symptoms like severe coughing, chest pain, runny nose, fever, or difficulty breathing occur, especially in children and the elderly, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional promptly.
Prolong dry spell in capital city is causing the viral infections to spread rapidly. Rain can help reduce viral infections in several ways. Rain not only helps wash away air pollutants improving the air quality but also humidity caused by rain prevents viruses like influenza and HMPV from staying airborne as they need dry conditions for better transmission. Unfortunately, Pakistan overall didn’t get much of rain throughout winters and cloud seeding seems to have our last option.
Cloud seeding also called ‘artificial rain’ experiment was first conducted in Pakistan in 2000. In 2023 cloud seeding was conducted in Lahore to combat the smog with the help of United Arab Emirates. Cloud seeding in Islamabad could help improve public health by increasing rainfall and reducing environmental hazards.
In short, Cloud seeding could be a game-changer for Islamabad’s climate and public health. By reducing air pollution, limiting the spread of viruses, cooling the environment, and improving overall well-being, this technology could help citizens live healthier lives. However, scientific research, funding, and government support are crucial for successful implementation.
