PARTS of the country are in the grip of intense cold, with many northern locations posting sub-zero temperatures. Even Karachi, which generally experiences mild winters, at one point saw the mercury dropping to seven degrees Celsius — or even lower.

Winters in Pakistan affect daily life in many ways. The shortage and disruption in gas supply, the absence of alternative fuel for cooking and keeping warm, smog, travel dangers due to poor visibility, and the challenge of survival for the homeless are just some of the travails. Perhaps it is the plight of those without a roof over their heads that is the most poignant. Without resources of their own, their survival depends largely on access to temporary relief. Charities and individuals often provide food and clothing. Welfare-oriented healthcare outfits offer basic medical treatment when the homeless fall ill. But sustained living in the open poses a serious challenge.

At least nine per cent of Pakistan’s total population suffers from inadequate housing. Many can be found dwelling on the streets. A study by this writer some years ago revealed that the homeless live in multiple formats in Karachi. They sleep, often with families or clans, on footpaths at night when there is less movement. But in winter, this becomes intolerable. Some burn junk to beat the cold.

Occasionally, people donate blankets and used bedding to the homeless. However, these are often stolen by those in a similar predicament. Spaces under flyovers and interchanges also become temporary dwellings. In winters, competition for these lots increases as they offer better protection against the cold.

Harsh winters are an emergency for those without homes.

Informal arrangements with law-enforcement personnel can mean a better chance of survival. Parks and playgrounds, especially rundown ones, are often preferred by the homeless, who strike a deal with local area watchmen to spend the night in relative peace.

The lucky ones might even find a corner to store their belongings, especially bedding. Many camp outside the entrances of shops, markets, and storage and commercial structures, which are usually well constructed, clean and have shades.

Often, the homeless may be acquainted with the watchmen, private security guards or shopkeepers, whereas new migrants utilise their social links, asking those belonging to the same village or settlement to help them access these public spaces, especially during cold spells. Low-paid labourers, too, may sleep outside shop entrances, with the consent of the owners and operating staff.

Most such spots are accessed by the homeless in Karachi’s south, central, east and west districts.

Pushcart operators access partially shaded street locations and use their cart as night-time shelters, spreading their bedding on top of it. Usually, this option is exercised as a group activity with several vendors and their labourers sleeping on carts. This imparts a sense of collective security. In winter, they store additional blankets underneath the cart for safekeeping.

While green belts along the roads, areas surrounding nullahs, and junkyards are desired places for spending summer nights, the homeless move away from them in winter. Shrines, railway stations and bus terminals are relatively better options because they are partially covered, although some come to blows over benches and corners in these public spaces.

Law-enforcement personnel believe that the homeless can’t be accommodated for extended periods. They fear that antisocial elements and aliens mix with the local homeless population to commit crimes. To them, profiling and data collection are the first step before initiating action. Charities and welfare set-ups are more caring and generally help without checking identities.

Harsh winters are a climate emergency. From a policy and practice perspective, it should be dealt with as such by the relevant departments. Many lessons can be learned from international experience. Pavement dweller centres are multipurpose spaces developed in Dhaka to extend relief and assistance to the homeless. Drop-in centres are another common sight in many countries. Parks, public spaces, churches and other sacred places have exclusive service spaces extending temporary relief. In winters, special arrangements are made to provide warm makeshift spaces to those in need.

During the last government’s tenure in Pakistan, pannah gahs were instituted with government and philanthropic contributions to help the needy and those without shelter. Warm clothes and bedding were provided at night at designated locations. Municipalities and other concerned authorities should consider extending such support to the homeless, especially during weather emergencies.

The writer is an academic and researcher based in Karachi.

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2026