Pakistan issues air quality warning after strikes on Iran

Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that pollution resulting from recent airstrikes on Iran could worsen air quality in parts of Pakistan.

According to the meteorological agency, winds may carry pollutants generated by the US and Israeli strikes into western areas of Pakistan, potentially affecting air quality.

“Due to the recent situation in Iran, winds may carry pollutants and deteriorate air quality in the western parts of the country,” the department said in a statement issued on Monday.

The agency also said that rain, strong winds and thunderstorms are expected in some parts of western Pakistan through March 12.

Pakistan shares a border with Iran stretching roughly 900 kilometres, raising the possibility that pollution generated by the strikes could spread across the frontier.

Reporting from Tehran, CNN correspondent Fred Pleitgen described the aftermath of the attacks on Iranian oil facilities.

“There is thick black smoke still hanging in the air over almost the entire city,” Pleitgen said. “The air seems quite toxic.”

By Tamilla Hasanova