Rumours swirl online, but meteorological department says air quality fears are much ado about nothing
Rains in Karachi. Photo: APP (file)
KARACHI:
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has reassured the public that the country’s environment remains safe, rejecting widespread social media claims about polluted or black rain in Karachi. Authorities say modern monitoring systems are fully capable of detecting any hazardous atmospheric changes.
Deputy Director of the Meteorological Department Anjum Nazir Zaigham stated in a conversation with The Express Tribune that there is no truth to reports circulating online about abnormal rainfall or dangerous pollution levels in Karachi.
He explained that a new western weather system is currently affecting parts of Balochistan, where rainfall has been recorded at various locations. However, no unusual or alarming conditions have been reported from any area.
Addressing another growing concern, Zaigham dismissed claims that ongoing tensions in the Middle East and Iran could significantly deteriorate Karachi’s air quality. He termed such assertions as baseless.
He clarified that temporary increases in the Air Quality Index (AQI) may occur due to natural weather patterns. These include short-term disruptions in sea breezes caused by incoming western systems, along with northwesterly winds carrying dust particles. Such changes, he said, are part of normal environmental variations.
Zaigham further noted that the reported military activity in Iran is confined to its northwestern regions, while Pakistan shares a border with Iran’s southern areas, where conditions remain stable. He emphasised that the current situation is not comparable to the 1992 Gulf War, when widespread oil well fires caused severe atmospheric pollution. Referring to recent rainfall in Balochistan, Punjab, and upper Sindh, he said no harmful effects have been observed. The Meteorological Department is nevertheless conducting a detailed analysis of rainwater samples to ensure there are no unusual contaminants.
Highlighting technological advancements, Zaigham said that unlike in the past, Pakistan now has access to modern satellite systems capable of instantly detecting toxic substances or smoke clouds in the atmosphere. Current satellite imagery shows Pakistan’s airspace to be completely clear.
He urged the public not to pay attention to rumors, assuring that the government and relevant institutions are closely monitoring the situation. He added that rainfall typically helps cleanse the atmosphere by removing dust and pollutants.
