The Meteorological Department has raised concerns about potential environmental impacts as westerly winds carrying rainfall from Iran enter the country.
The system is expected to bring rain until March 12, while authorities monitor possible pollution linked to attacks on Iranian oil refineries.
Officials say the risk of severe contamination is low, but some chemical traces could reach western parts of Pakistan.
According to the Meteorological Department, westerly winds entering Pakistan from Iran are expected to bring rainfall until March 12.
However, these weather systems are also drawing attention because Iranian oil fields and refineries have been repeatedly targeted during the ongoing conflict, causing significant environmental damage in the region.
Reports from Iran indicate that the destruction of oil infrastructure has resulted in heavily polluted air and “black rain” in some affected areas.
Pollution concerns linked to attacks on Iranian refineries
Officials say the air around Tehran has become severely polluted due to attacks on oil refineries, raising concerns about the potential movement of polluted air masses.
Meteorological Department Deputy Director Irfan Virk explained that while pollution is severe near the affected areas, the long distance between Iran and Pakistan reduces the likelihood of major environmental damage locally.
“Most of the chemical components will remain around Tehran,” Virk said.
Some chemicals may reach Pakistan
Despite the distance, the Meteorological Department has not ruled out the possibility that some chemical particles could travel into Pakistan through the incoming westerly winds.
Virk noted that the pollution may slightly affect the air quality in parts of the western belt of the country, particularly in Parachinar and the Kurram region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
However, he clarified that black rain is not expected in Pakistan, although rainwater may still contain minor pollutants.
“It will contain chemicals and pollution that can travel in the air,” Virk said, adding that the air quality in the western belt may deteriorate slightly.
Monitoring rainwater samples
To assess any potential environmental impact, the Meteorological Department has directed all regional offices to collect and send rainwater samples to the central office.
These samples will be analyzed to identify chemical components in the rainwater and air and detect any harmful substances that may have traveled from Iran.
Officials say the testing will help determine whether the ongoing conflict and refinery attacks are affecting Pakistan’s environment.
