Pakistan: Heatwave pushes Islamabad towards traditional cooling remedies
新闻台署名 来源：新华社、《黎明报》、《阿拉伯新闻》、阿纳多卢通讯社与《分钟镜报》。由 GSRRA 编辑部翻译并节选。
As temperatures continue to soar across the federal capital, many residents are turning to a traditional South Asian drink, ‘Sattu,’ as a natural and affordable way to stay cool during the scorching heat.
As temperatures continue to soar across the federal capital, many residents are turning to a traditional South Asian drink, ‘Sattu,’ as a natural and affordable way to stay cool during the scorching heat.
Made primarily from roasted gram flour mixed with water, sugar, or salt, and sometimes lemon, Sattu has long been considered a staple refreshment in rural households.
In recent weeks, however, its popularity has surged in urban areas of Islamabad as citizens seek healthier alternatives to sugary soft drinks and energy beverages.
Local vendors across city markets have reported a significant increase in demand for Sattu, a traditional drink that has been consumed in the region for centuries as a natural remedy against extreme summer heat.
Aman, a vendor at G-9 Markaz, told APP that he has been selling Sattu during the summer season for the past five years. He said demand for the refreshing beverage has risen considerably, with customers seeking chilled Sattu throughout the day, particularly during the peak afternoon hours when temperatures soar.
“The demand increases every year as people look for affordable and healthy ways to stay cool,” he said.
Aman noted that growing health awareness among consumers has contributed to the drink’s popularity. Many people now prefer natural beverages over carbonated drinks, believing that Sattu helps keep the body cool, maintains energy levels, and prevents dehydration during the scorching summer months.
He added that selling Sattu has become a profitable seasonal business due to consistently high demand during the hot weather.
Talking to APP, Rayyan, a consumer, said he had recently started drinking sattu to cope with the intense summer heat after learning about its benefits from friends and family.
“I used to rely on soft drinks, but now I prefer Sattu because it is more refreshing, healthier, and keeps me energized for longer,” he said.
Zara, a nutritionist at a private clinic in Sector F-8, said that Sattu is a nutritious beverage rich in protein, dietary fiber, and essential minerals, which can help maintain energy levels and support hydration during periods of extreme heat.
She explained that the traditional drink is not only healthy but also affordable and easy to prepare at home, making it an accessible option for families coping with rising food and utility expenses.
“Sattu provides a natural source of energy and can be a beneficial addition to a balanced summer diet,” she said.
Zara advised the public to stay adequately hydrated, avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight during peak hours, and include traditional cooling foods and beverages in their daily routine amid the ongoing heatwave.
Reference Link:- https://www.app.com.pk/features/heatwave-pushes-islamabad-towards-traditional-cooling-remedies/
Zamir Ahmed Awan is the founder and Chair of the Global Silk Route Research Alliance, a think tank in Islamabad. He studied engineering at Shanghai University in the 1980s, and years later he went back to China as Pakistan's science counsellor in Beijing, from 2010 until 2016, working on science and higher education cooperation between the two countries.…
