Extreme heat in Pakistan's factories

Workers describe scorching conditions with temperatures exceeding 37.8 C (100 F) during heat waves.

“Smoke, heat, you face it”

Health risks from extreme heat

Heat causes fainting, muscle paralysis, blood pressure swings and severe health issues including organ failure.

Workers report lost wages

All but one worker lost wages when heat-related illness forced them to miss work.

Siddiqui's story

Siddiqui, 28, collapsed from heat and was sent to hospital after earning only $54 a month.

“Sometimes they eat one meal, sometimes they don’t eat a meal”

Global brands' safety pledges

Inditex and Mango have signed agreements to protect workers but enforcement remains weak.

Heat safety measures

Experts recommend temperature monitoring, cold water, breaks and cooling systems but factories ignore them.

Worker complaints ignored

Supervisors dismiss health concerns as 'an everyday problem' with no changes to conditions.

“This is an everyday problem women cry and complain a lot but the work still must be done”

Government response

Sindh province acknowledges implementation challenges but says efforts are ongoing.

Heat stress in factories

Factories lack heat sensors, ventilation, and cold water despite workers' health risks.

“Sometimes it smells like dead rats”

Global brands' commitments

Inditex and Mango claim worker health is a 'non-negotiable priority' but measures are limited.