Smoke rises following an explosion, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 8, 2026. PHOTO: REUTERS
QUETTA:
Toxic smoke from burning oil installations in Tehran following recent strikes could drift toward Pakistan’s western regions, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned, raising concerns about deteriorating air quality in parts of Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
For the second consecutive day, the sky over the Iranian capital remained shrouded in dense black smoke following strikes on oil facilities that set storage depots and refineries ablaze, severely contaminating the air.
According to reports, smoke containing potentially hazardous pollutants is now moving east towards Pakistan on prevailing westerly winds.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that airborne contaminants from Iran could reach parts of Balochistan and the western districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, potentially affecting air quality in cities including Quetta, Chaman, Zhob, Chagai, Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan.
Eyewitnesses reported that early-morning rainfall appeared to contain traces of oil and other chemicals. One Tehran resident said the sky looked unusually dark upon waking, while raindrops left black stains on vehicles, balconies and clothing, making breathing difficult.
Iran’s Red Crescent Society advised residents to remain indoors, wear masks, avoid exposure to rainwater and switch off air-conditioning systems.
Experts say burning oil facilities release harmful compounds, including hydrocarbons, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which can severely degrade air quality and pose health risks.
Meteorologists warned that westerly winds can carry fine toxic particles, particularly PM2.5 pollutants, thousands of kilometres from their source.
They added that Balochistan’s dry climate and dust-laden winds could further disperse these pollutants, increasing the likelihood of deteriorating air quality in border regions.
While the Pakistan Meteorological Department said the probability of “black rain” occurring in Pakistan remains low, it warned that the Air Quality Index (AQI) could rise significantly, increasing the risk of pollution-related health problems.
The situation is considered particularly concerning for Quetta, a city already struggling with air pollution.
Medical experts said children, elderly individuals, asthma patients and pregnant women could be most vulnerable to the effects of polluted air, which may trigger respiratory illnesses, eye irritation and cardiovascular complications.
Authorities in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have placed health institutions on alert, while the PMD has instructed its regional offices to collect rainwater samples to monitor contamination levels.
