Smoke rises following an explosion, amid the US-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 towards Pakistan’s western regions, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned, raising concerns over deteriorating air quality in parts of Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
For the second day in a row, the sky over the Iranian capital remained shrouded in thick black smoke following strikes on oil facilities that set fire to storage depots and refineries, severely contaminating the air.
According to reports, smoke containing potentially dangerous pollutants is now moving east towards Pakistan, driven by prevailing westerly winds.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that air contaminants from Iran could reach parts of Balochistan and western districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, potentially affecting air quality in cities such as Quetta, Chaman, Zhob, Chagai, Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan.
Eyewitnesses reported that the morning precipitation appeared to contain traces of oil and other chemicals. A Tehran resident said the sky was unusually dark when he woke up, while raindrops left black stains on vehicles, balconies and clothes, making it difficult to breathe.
The Iranian Red Crescent Society advised residents to stay indoors, wear masks, avoid exposure to rainwater and turn off air conditioning systems.
Experts say burning oil installations releases harmful compounds, including hydrocarbons, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which can seriously degrade air quality and pose health risks.
Meteorologists have warned that westerly winds can carry toxic fine particles, particularly PM2.5 pollutants, thousands of kilometers from their source.
They added that Balochistan’s dry climate and dust-laden winds could further disperse these pollutants, increasing the risk of deteriorating air quality in border regions.
While the Pakistan Meteorological Department said the likelihood 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 worrying for Quetta, a city already struggling with air pollution.
Medical experts said children, the elderly, asthma patients and pregnant women could be most vulnerable to the effects of polluted air, which can trigger respiratory illnesses, eye irritation and cardiovascular complications.
Authorities in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have placed health facilities on alert, while the PMD has asked its regional offices to collect rainwater samples to monitor contamination levels.
