Karachi, Pakistan — The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a fresh warning that winds blowing from Iran could carry harmful pollutants into western parts of the country and worsen air quality in the coming days.
The alert comes after major oil facilities in Iran were hit during the ongoing US-Israel conflict, releasing thick black smoke and toxic chemicals into the air. PMD officials said the pollutants may travel across the border and affect areas in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
At the same time, the department has forecast rain and thunderstorms in the upper parts of the country from Monday evening until March 12, which could help clear the air in some regions. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to protect public health.
Key Highlights
- PMD warns that winds from Iran may bring pollutants and reduce air quality in western Pakistan.
- Conflict in Iran has caused heavy smoke from damaged oil facilities and refineries.
- Rain and thunderstorms expected in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir from Monday evening.
- Daytime temperatures may drop by 3–4 degrees Celsius in upper parts of the country.
- Landslides possible in vulnerable hilly areas; tourists advised to avoid unnecessary travel.
The warning highlights the direct link between the conflict in Iran and everyday life in Pakistan. Thick, oily smoke from burning oil depots in Tehran and other cities has already created dangerous air conditions there, and changing wind patterns could push some of that pollution toward our western borders. While Pakistan is not directly involved in the fighting, the government is taking every possible step to safeguard citizens from any indirect effects.
An Excerpt from the PMD Press Release
The PMD stated in its press release, “Due to the recent situation in Iran, the winds may carry pollutants and deteriorate air quality in the western parts of the country.”
At the same time, the expected rain in the northern and western regions could bring some relief by washing pollutants out of the air and lowering temperatures. Farmers have been advised to adjust their crop schedules, and people in hilly areas are urged to stay alert for possible landslides.
An extratropical storm over northern #Iran, which brought rain filled with toxins and petroleum-based substances to #Tehran, will move into #Turkmenistan.
The system will cause the formation of a new ETS over #Afghanistan, bringing widespread rain/hail/snow to #Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/j7eliUqXGx
— PWP (@PWP_Weather) March 8, 2026
Pakistan has always shown strong preparedness in the face of regional challenges. The PMD’s timely alert and the government’s close monitoring reflect our commitment to protecting public health and ensuring that external events do not disrupt normal life. Citizens in the affected areas are requested to keep windows closed when possible, wear masks if the air quality feels poor, and follow updates from official sources. With collective care and vigilance, the country will continue to manage such situations effectively while keeping the well-being of its people first.
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