The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has dismissed circulating social media claims about “black rain” or hazardous pollution in Karachi, assuring that no unusual environmental threat exists and the country’s atmosphere remains safe.

Deputy Director Anjum Nazir Zaigham said the reports being shared online about abnormal rainfall and dangerous pollution levels are unfounded. He clarified that while a western weather system is currently affecting parts of Balochistan, bringing rainfall to some areas, no alarming or hazardous conditions have been observed.

He further rejected speculation linking regional tensions involving Iran and the Middle East to deteriorating air quality in Karachi. According to him, temporary fluctuations in the Air Quality Index (AQI) are normal and can occur due to routine weather changes, such as shifts in sea breezes and the movement of dust-laden northwesterly winds.

Zaigham added that the current situation should not be compared to past conflicts that led to significant environmental damage. He noted that recent military activity in Iran is concentrated in its northwestern region, while Pakistan shares its border with the southern part of Iran, where conditions remain stable.

He also confirmed that rainfall recorded in parts of Balochistan, Punjab, and upper Sindh has shown no harmful effects so far. However, the department is conducting detailed tests of rainwater samples to rule out any possible contamination.

Highlighting Pakistan’s monitoring capabilities, the PMD official said modern satellite systems are in place to detect toxic substances or smoke in the atmosphere. Current satellite data, he added, indicates no dangerous atmospheric activity over the country.