As climate change drives harsher summers worldwide, the federal capital is sweltering under soaring temperatures and stifling humidity, forcing residents to seek practical ways to cope with the relentless heat. The ongoing season has turned particularly punishing, with prolonged heatwaves and rising humidity disrupting daily life and pushing communities toward traditional remedies and lifestyle adjustments to endure the extremes.
Portable Fans Gain Popularity Among Youth
Against this backdrop, portable handheld fans and portable wearable neck fans have emerged as popular and increasingly essential accessories among Islamabad’s youth. Once regarded as novelty gadgets, compact rechargeable fans are now widely used by students, office workers, commuters, and outdoor enthusiasts who spend long hours in the scorching summer heat. Traders in major commercial centres, including Aabpara Market in Sector G-6 and Karachi Company in Sector G-9, report a significant increase in demand for these battery-operated cooling devices.
Ahmad, a shopkeeper at Aabpara Market, said the growing popularity of portable fans is driven by their affordability, convenience, and easy availability. “Customers, especially young people, prefer these fans because they are lightweight and can easily be carried in a handbag, backpack, or even a pocket,” he said. He added that sales witness a substantial increase during the hottest and most humid months of the year.
Similarly, Zahid, a retailer at Karachi Company, noted that portable fans have evolved from fashionable gadgets into practical necessities. “Earlier, people bought them as trendy accessories, but now they are considered essential during the summer season,” he said. He added that these devices are particularly popular among commuters, students, and people attending outdoor events.
Users Share Their Experiences
Users say the fans provide much-needed relief from the heat, especially during power outages and long commutes. Farheen, a student at Quaid-i-Azam University, said the portable fan has become an indispensable part of her daily routine. “It provides instant relief during humid afternoons, especially when electricity outages occur,” she said.
Aina, a media consultant working for a private organisation, said the device has become her constant travel companion. “I frequently use public transport, and this portable fan helps me stay comfortable during long journeys,” she said. “It is easy to carry, simple to recharge, and extremely useful for anyone who spends considerable time outdoors.”
The rising popularity of portable fans highlights growing public concern over extreme heat, high humidity, and recurring power outages. As the federal capital continues to face the effects of climate change, small yet practical adaptations like portable cooling devices are becoming part of everyday life, especially among the younger generation.
