At least 10 people, including a worshipper, were found dead across multiple areas of Karachi in incidents that authorities say may be linked to extreme heat and suspected drug overdoses, though the exact causes of death in several cases remain unconfirmed.

Rescue officials reported that four of the victims were discovered in a deteriorating condition and later died during treatment, while six others were found dead at locations including homes, a mosque and public spaces.

The incidents have raised concerns about the combined impact of rising temperatures and substance abuse. According to Chhipa Foundation spokesperson Chaudhry Shahid, several bodies were recovered from different neighbourhoods.

A 35-year-old unidentified man was found near Saima Arabian Villas in Manghopir, while another man, estimated to be around 50, was found near Noor Hotel in Gulshan-e-Hadeed. A third body, of a 36-year-old unidentified man, was discovered near Khayaban-e-Saqib in Defence Phase VIII.

Chhipa officials indicated that these three deaths were likely caused by excessive drug use in hot weather. In Clifton’s Boat Basin area, a 60-year-old unidentified man was found in critical condition and shifted to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, where he later died.

Similarly, a 50-year-old man was found unconscious beneath the Liaquatabad No 10 bridge and was taken to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, where he succumbed during treatment. Another individual, aged around 45, was discovered unconscious near Jamali Bridge on the Super Highway and also died after being transported to hospital.

In Surjani Town, a 50-year-old man identified as Dur Muhammad was found in a critical state on a roadside and later died at Jinnah Hospital. A 55-year-old man, Abdul Wadud, was found dead near Tayyaba Mosque on Sparco Road in Baldia. Officials believe he may have died due to the severity of the heat.

In Mauripur, a 70-year-old man named Zaheer was found dead inside his home near Nala Stop, with initial assessments suggesting that extreme weather conditions may have contributed to his death.

In another incident, a man believed to be around 42 years old was found dead inside Usmania Mosque in North Karachi Sector 5-D/3. Edhi Foundation officials said the deceased had arrived at the mosque to offer prayers. His identity could not be immediately established, and the cause of death remains unclear.

Police confirmed at least eight bodies recovered in related incidents, with efforts under way to establish identities using search and verification devices. Authorities have directed coordination between police, hospitals and rescue services to expedite the identification process.

So far, three of the deceased have been identified. In the Docks area, a body found inside a residence was confirmed to be that of 80-year-old Abdul Zaheer. Police said there was no fan in the house, suggesting that the death may have resulted from extreme heat exposure. His family is reportedly based in Bangladesh.

Another body recovered near a mosque on SUPARCO Road was identified as Abdul Wadud, a resident of Mochko. Meanwhile, a man found dead inside a rickshaw in Manghopir was identified as Gulzar, a rickshaw driver.

Police officials said the identity of at least one body recovered from Liaquatabad could not be determined through available search systems, and efforts are ongoing to identify the remaining individuals.

Authorities have not issued a consolidated cause of death report, but initial assessments point towards a combination of heat-related stress and suspected drug overdoses as contributing factors. The incidents come amid rising temperatures in the city, placing vulnerable populations at increased risk.