Pakistan to Experience Low Air Quality This Winter

Pakistan witnessed one of its heaviest monsoon seasons in decades, with torrential rains arriving earlier than usual and causing widespread flooding.

But in sharp contrast, the Meteorological Department has now warned that the coming winter may bring below-normal rainfall, raising concerns over worsening air quality.

Early Monsoon and Widespread Flooding

Between June and September, the country recorded 23 percent more rainfall than average, according to official data. The heavy downpour triggered flash floods and landslides in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, causing severe loss of life and damage.

Punjab emerged as the worst-hit province, experiencing 34 percent above-normal rainfall. Sialkot recorded its heaviest downpour in 50 years, leaving large areas underwater.

Other provinces also faced unusually high rainfall:

• Balochistan: 28% above average
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 30% above average
• Sindh: 20% above average
• Azad Kashmir: 5% above average
• Gilgit-Baltistan: 2% above average

Winter Rainfall Likely to Decline

Deputy Director of the Meteorological Department, Irfan Virk, told Samaa TV that the trend is expected to reverse in the coming months. “Overall, the rainfall will be less than normal in October, November, and December. Rain is expected in the coastal belt of Sindh in the next two to three days,” he said.

Air Quality Risks Loom

Experts warn that reduced winter rainfall may worsen air quality, as fewer showers will mean less chance of pollutants being cleared from the atmosphere. Smog and fog are expected to intensify, particularly in urban centers such as Lahore and Karachi.