Trump’s Foreign Aid Freeze Pushes Pakistan’s Hottest City Towards Crisis

The repercussions of former U.S. President Donald Trump's foreign aid freeze are being felt far beyond American borders, with Pakistan’s Jacobabad—one of the hottest cities on Earth—facing an impending humanitarian disaster. With summer temperatures soaring beyond 50°C, the city’s lifeline—clean water—is now under threat as U.S.-funded water systems face shutdown due to halted financial support.

Jacobabad’s Water Crisis

For over a decade, a $66 million U.S.-funded water system provided clean drinking water to more than 350,000 residents of Jacobabad. The system supplied 1.5 million gallons of purified water daily, offering relief from extreme heat. However, the abrupt suspension of $1.5 million in U.S. aid, crucial for maintaining the system, now risks leaving thousands without safe drinking water. Without immediate intervention, locals may be forced to consume contaminated water laced with arsenic and disease, heightening health risks.

Impact of Aid Suspension

The crisis intensified as the Hands Foundation, which managed the water project, reported it had received no prior notification of the aid freeze. Instead, it learned of the funding halt through media reports, leading to the immediate dismissal of 47 specialists responsible for maintaining and purifying the water supply. Control of the project has since been handed over to local authorities, who lack the necessary expertise and resources to sustain operations.

Broader Consequences of Trump’s Policy

Trump’s aid freeze is not only dismantling Jacobabad’s water infrastructure but also undermining broader U.S. humanitarian efforts. The decision has affected USAID, a global force in humanitarian aid since 1961, which has been instrumental in building schools, providing healthcare, and supporting refugees worldwide.

The situation worsened when a newly established Department of Government Efficiency, led by billionaire Elon Musk, took control of USAID operations. Within days, the agency’s website was shut down, and reports emerged that $489 million worth of American food aid was at risk of spoiling. Following these revelations, USAID Inspector General Paul Martin was dismissed, raising further concerns about the abrupt and sweeping nature of these policy changes.

A Looming Humanitarian Catastrophe

As Pakistan continues to grapple with climate disasters, Jacobabad stands on the brink of a full-scale humanitarian crisis. Despite contributing less than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan is among the worst-affected nations by climate change. Without immediate alternative funding, Jacobabad’s water supply will collapse, leaving its residents exposed to extreme heat without access to clean water.

The question remains: will another nation, organization, or leader step in to prevent this catastrophe? If no action is taken, Jacobabad—already one of the most extreme environments for human survival—may soon become uninhabitable.