ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is witnessing a sharp rise in internal migration driven by climate shocks, with experts warning that unplanned urban growth is deepening inequality and putting immense pressure on major cities.
At the Breathe Pakistan Climate Change Conference 2026, speakers revealed that over 13 million people have been forced to relocate within the country due to floods, droughts, heatwaves and other climate related disasters. Officials said climate change has now become a stronger driver of migration than employment opportunities in many regions.
Recovery Advisor at the International Organisation for Migration, Sumera Izhar, said Pakistan’s urbanisation is largely unplanned and “absorbed” rather than managed. She warned that displaced communities are increasingly settling in informal urban areas where basic services are limited and long term vulnerability remains high.
Urban experts cautioned that rapid migration is exposing serious gaps in city planning and infrastructure. Representatives from UN Habitat Pakistan highlighted repeated urban flooding in Islamabad and Lahore, as well as intensifying heat stress in Karachi, as clear signals that cities are not prepared for emerging climate realities.
Dr Noman Ahmed of NED University said climate stress is shrinking rural livelihoods, forcing large populations into cities already struggling with overcrowding and weak governance. He also criticised eviction drives against informal settlers, calling them harsh on communities already displaced by environmental disasters.
Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said the province is shifting towards a climate focused development model, introducing electric buses, air quality monitoring systems and environmental enforcement mechanisms. She said climate resilience is now being integrated into all major development projects to address rising environmental challenges.
