ISLAMABAD: Severe air pollution has been reported in Iran after heavy bombardment of oil facilities, raising concerns about possible environmental effects in neighboring countries.
According to experts, polluted particles in the atmosphere could be carried toward parts of Pakistan by westerly winds in the coming days.
Pakistan’s Meteorological Department said winds originating from the direction of Iran are expected to enter the country soon. These winds may carry contaminated particles present in the atmosphere.
However, the department clarified that there is no possibility of “black rain” in Pakistan.
As a precautionary measure, regional meteorological offices have been instructed to collect rain samples if precipitation occurs. The samples will be sent to laboratories for analysis.
Environmental concerns emerged after oil installations in Iran were reportedly targeted during ongoing attacks involving Israel and the United States. Following the strikes, heavy air pollution was reported in Tehran.
Some reports suggested that dark clouds appeared over the city and traces of oil particles were observed in rainwater, raising environmental alarms locally.
The situation has triggered debate in neighboring countries about possible cross-border atmospheric effects.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department also issued a weather update for Pakistan.
Cloudy conditions with rain are expected in Islamabad and surrounding areas, with the possibility of hailstorms at isolated locations.
Heavy rainfall is forecast at some places in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan and Shangla. Rain is also expected in Battagram, Buner, Malakand, Mansehra and Abbottabad.
Showers are likely in Khyber, Mohmand, Peshawar, Swabi, Mardan and Charsadda. Thunderstorms with rain are also expected in Nowshera, Bannu, Orakzai, Kurram, Kohat and Hangu, with hail possible at isolated places.
In Punjab, rain and hailstorms are expected in Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Mianwali and Jhelum. Cloudy weather with rain and hail is also forecast for Murree and the Galiyat region.
Weather conditions in most other districts of the province are expected to remain mainly dry.
Dry weather is also likely in most parts of Sindh and Balochistan. However, rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms is expected in Zhob, Qila Abdullah and Pishin.
