KARACHI (Kashmir English): The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that winds coming from war-hit Iran could be carrying pollutants, deteriorating air quality in the western parts of Pakistan.
The warning comes following US-Israel strikes on Iranian oil reserves.
In a statement, the Met Office said the recent bombing of Iran oil storage facilities by the United States and Israel could lead to significant environmental consequences in the region.
The US and Israel hit five oil facilities with overnight strikes in and near the Iranian capital, according to an Iranian official.
According to meteorologists, Iran may face serious environmental damage as a result of the attacks.
The PMD said reports of “black acid rain” in and around Tehran are one of the indications that the strikes caused environmental contamination.
However, the PMD said no effects of the reported acid rain in Iran have been observed in Pakistan so far.
Iran’s meteorological data not available
Officials said the department is closely monitoring the situation though Iran’s meteorological data is currently not available due to internet disruptions during the conflict. The experts have no option but to rely on satellite observations to assess the evolving weather and environmental conditions.
The department explained that as Tehran lies towards the north-west, any possible spread of pollution would likely affect Afghanistan before reaching Pakistan.
At the same time, the PMD noted that Iran’s southern regions are geographically closer to Pakistan’s Balochistan province.
The PMD officials further said that increased carbon emissions from the attacks on Iran could raise temperatures in the upper atmosphere.
Meanwhile, the Met Office has also forecast rain, wind and thunderstorms in the upper regions of Pakistan from March 9 to 12 due to a westerly weather system approaching western parts of the country.
