The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has officially announced the election of Mr. Sahibzad Khan, as the Vice President of Regional Association II (Asia) during the 18th Session. This prestigious appointment was made during the recent session of the WMO Regional Association II, reflecting the international community's recognition of Mr. Khan's leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to advancing meteorological services across the Asian region. His election is a testament to the global recognition of *Pakistan’s contributions* to regional meteorological cooperation and its dedication to addressing climate vulnerabilities in Asia.   

Mr. Sahibzad Khan, permanent representative of Pakistan with WMO brings to the role a wealth of experience in meteorology, climate science, and disaster risk reduction. Under his leadership, Pakistan has significantly advanced its early warning systems, integrated climate services, and regional collaborations aimed at enhancing resilience to extreme weather and climate-related hazards. In his acceptance speech, Mr. Khan emphasized the importance of “a unified regional approach to tackle the escalating impacts of climate change, particularly for vulnerable communities. Through collaboration and innovation, we can enhance preparedness, reduce risk, and build a more resilient Asia.”

The WMO Regional Association II (Asia) comprises 35 Member States and Territories and focuses on fostering regional coordination in weather, climate, water, and environmental services to support sustainable development and disaster risk reduction in Asia. The WMO and its members congratulate Mr. Khan on his election and look forward to his valuable contributions to advancing meteorological cooperation and sustainable development in the region. The *Pakistan Meteorological Department* and the entire nation celebrate this achievement, viewing it as a milestone in Pakistan’s journey toward global climate leadership.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), in collaboration with the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES), is pleased to announce the successful organization of the Climate Application Forum held on 02nd July 2024 in Islamabad. This event brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from various sectors to discuss innovative strategies and applications for climate resilience and disaster risk reduction.

The forum commenced with an insightful keynote address by Dr. Muhammad Afzaal, Chief Meteorologist, PMD, who emphasized the critical need for enhanced climate services and innovative applications to mitigate the impacts of climate change. While the Chief Guest Lt. Gen. (Rted.) Nadeem Ahmad, Advisor, RIMES highlighted the collaborative effort needed to tackle climate change and extreme weather events.

Mr. Sahibzad Khan, Director General of PMD, stated, This forum marks a significant milestone in our efforts to integrate cutting-edge climate science with practical applications. By partnering with RIMES, we are committed to advancing our capabilities in early warning systems and fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience in the face of climate change.

Ms. Ruby Rose Policarpio, CARE Component 1 Project Director, RIMES, added, The collaborative spirit demonstrated at this forum is a testament to the importance of international cooperation in tackling the global challenge of climate change.

The forum featured a series of presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions focused on the latest advancements in climate science and sustainable practices. This event was supported by World Bank and Climate Adaptation and Resilience (CARE).

The Climate Application Forum concluded with a commitment to ongoing collaboration and the development of actionable strategies to address climate-related challenges. PMD and RIMES extend their gratitude to all participants, speakers, and partners for their invaluable contributions to the success of this event.

Islamabad, June 14, 2024 – The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) have taken a significant step towards enhancing the country's resilience to droughts and floods by signing a Letter of Intent (LOI) today. This collaborative effort aims to develop and implement anticipatory actions to mitigate the impacts of droughts and floods on vulnerable communities and agricultural sectors in Pakistan. LOI is to support the highly exposed and vulnerable people in Pakistan to forecastable hazards through anticipatory humanitarian action through the projects supported by DG-ECHO, “Increasing Capacities and Scale for Anticipatory Action, including through Social Protection Systems” and “Pakistan-Integrated Disaster Preparedness (DP) for Resilience Building”. National Drought Monitoring and Early Warning Center (NDMC) and Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) of PMD, agreed to work collaboratively in improving early warning systems, through data sharing and mutual capacity development, that is an essential pillar of anticipatory action to help prepare at-risk communities, and to facilitate the activation of anticipatory action protocols ahead of an anticipated crisis.

The signing ceremony, held at the PMD office in Islamabad, was attended by key representatives from both organizations. Ms. Rolle Florence, FAO representative in Pakistan, and Mr. Mahr Sahibzad Khan, Director-General of PMD, signed the LOI on behalf of their respective organizations. Addressing the signing ceremony, Ms. Florence Rolle, appraised the efforts of PMD team and for informative droughts/floods monitoring products, advisories and alerts to stake holders, media and public. Mr. Mahr Sahibzad Khan thanked to FAO Team for their trust in PMD and wish to serve in the same spirit for the nation. PMD and FAO have already developed different protocols for the droughts/floods early warning and anticipating action triggers.

Due to seasonal increase in temperature, the Pollen concentration has started to escalate rapidly in Islamabad/Rawalpindi. It is informed that pollen concentration will further increase in coming days. The peak of Pollen concentration is expected in Islamabad/Rawalpindi during last week of March 2024. During the existing weather condition in next two weeks, the Pollen concentration intensity is expected to spike, rapidly. People suffering from pollen allergy are advised to take the precautionary measures, accordingly.

The most abundant pollen types in Islamabad are Paper Mulberry, Acacia, Eucalyptus, Pines, Grasses, Cannabis, Dandelion and Alternaria. Out of all these species, Paper Mulberry shares about 97% of the total pollen count, and its concentration touches the extreme limits of around 45,000 per cubic meter of air, during the peak of the blossom season. PMD will continuously publish pollen concentration data throughout the pollen season (March – April) on its website (website: www.pmd.gov.pk ) and print/electronic media on daily basis. Public may contact at following phone numbers for information; 051-9250745, 051-9250364 and 051-9250369 or email at pollen@pmd.gov.pk for queries in this regards.

On the kind instructions of honorable Mr. Mahr Sahibzad Khan (Director General), Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), in collaboration with The Islamia University Bahawalpur, has successfully concluded a Two-Day International Workshop on “Droughts over Pakistan in the Changing Climate”. This significant event, initiated by National Drought Monitoring and Early Warning Centre (NDMC) of PMD, Islamabad, and hosted by the International Centre for Climate Change, Food Security & Sustainability (ICCFS) at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB), aiming to address critical issues related to drought dynamics in the region. For the very first time in the history a workshop dedicated to the subject of the drought has been conducted by PMD.

Distinguished personalities such as Dr. Ehtasham Anwar, Commissioner of Bahawalpur Division, Prof. Dr. Abdur Rauf, Acting Vice Chancellor of IUB, Dr. Sardar Sarfraz, Chief Meteorologist of Pakistan Meteorological Department, Islamabad, Pakistan, and Dr. Syed Faisal Saeed, Director & Coordinator of the International Workshop (NDMC), alongside other renowned researchers, scientists, and professionals, graced the occasion with their presence.

In his keynote address, Dr. Ehtasham Anwar, Commissioner of Bahawalpur Division, reiterated the need for climate change education and advocacy within society. He emphasized the conservation of nature for sustainable ecosystems, drawing inspiration from the poetry of Parveen Shakir. Furthermore, Dr. Ehtasham Anwar shared insights from his tenure as Secretary of Education in South Punjab, highlighting efforts to develop climate change curriculum for seventh-grade students. He showcased the "Children Green Book," aimed at explaining various climate change phenomena to children through engaging stories.

The main objective of holding this international workshop was to bring together the leading scientists and researchers from different governmental and non-governmental organizations working on the subject of droughts. This workshop also provided a platform to the stakeholders working in the field of water resources, agriculture, disaster management authorities, NGO and INGOs. Number of scientists hailing from all over Pakistan, including IWMI, ICIMOD, academia, Future Water, FAO etc., presented their cutting edge research on different aspects of drought and related issues. This workshop resulted in building the capacity and developing the networking among the scientist and stakeholders.

The workshop's agenda, spanning over two days, featured a comprehensive exploration of various aspects related to droughts and their implications within the Pakistani context amidst a changing climate. Sessions included presentations, discussions, and group interactions led by experts in the field.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) achieved a significant milestone today with the groundbreaking ceremony held at the radar site in Nawabpur, Multan. Presided over by Mr. Sahibzad Khan, Director General, PMD, this event marked the commencement of a transformative project aimed at advancing the nation's weather forecasting capabilities. The attendance of key officials includes the representatives from the International Meteorological Consultants (IMC) and Tobishima Corporation. Chief Meteorologist, Flood Forecasting Division Lahore, Director RMC Lahore and Director Planning PMD were also present at the occasion.

The groundbreaking ceremony follows the recent Contract Agreement signed with the Consortium of Japan Radio Co., Ltd. (JRC) and Tobishima Corporation. The collaboration is set to install a state-of-the-art dual-polarization Weather Surveillance Radar in Multan, leveraging cutting-edge technology for improved weather and flood forecasting.

The project has overcome challenges that persisted over the past five years, a testament to the dedication and efforts led by Director General Mr. Sahibzad Khan. The initiative not only signifies the technological progress but also highlights the resilience of the PMD in the face of adversities.

Islamabad, 21 Dec 2023 — The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) is proud to announce a historic achievement with the signing of the Contract Agreement with the Consortium of Japan Radio Co., Ltd. (JRC) and Tobishima Corporation for the installation of a state-of-the-art dual-polarization Weather Surveillance Radar in Multan. This achievement is a testament to the unwavering efforts of Director General PMD, Sahibzad Khan, who has diligently worked to overcome obstacles that stalled this project for the past five years. The signing ceremony took place on December 21, 2023, in Tokyo, Japan, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the nation's weather forecasting capabilities. The signing ceremony was attended by esteemed dignitaries, including Mr. Mir Hassan Naqvi, Senior Joint Secretary Aviation Division, Mr. Sahibzad Khan, Director General PMD, Dr. Muhammad Tahir Khan, Director P&D, PMD, representatives of JRC, JICA and International Meteorological Consultants (IMC). It is noteworthy to highlight that this project faced delays due to the impact of COVID-19 and subsequent inflation over an extended period. However, the dedicated and effective efforts of DG PMD, Mr. Shahibzad Khan, have successfully transformed this challenge into a reality, paving the way for advancements in weather and flood forecasting through the installation of the Weather Surveillance Radar in Multan.

This collaboration under the JICA grant-in-aid project underscores the commitment of the Pakistan Meteorological Department to advancing its weather forecasting capabilities. The installation of this cutting-edge radar system is not only a technological leap forward but also a crucial step in improving the resilience of vulnerable communities. The enhanced forecasting capabilities will allow for more accurate and timely warnings, mitigating the impact of adverse weather conditions. The total project cost is estimated at PKR 6188.759 million, with a generous grant of PKR 5604.000 million from the Government of Japan. The Government of Pakistan will contribute PKR 600.055 million to ensure the successful implementation of this transformative project.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the PTC, PMD in collaboration with SEGMITE, Society of Economic Geologists and Mineral Technologists, and PSF, Pakistan Science Foundation, organized a seminar titled “Tropical Cyclone and Tsunami Threats to Pakistan's Coast and our Preparedness” on 13 Dec 2023 at Pearl Continental hotel, Karachi. Dr. Sarfaraz, Chief Met, Karachi presented the welcome address and briefed the audience on purpose and importance of the seminar. DG PDMA, Sindh, Syed Salman Shah, chief guest appreciating the seminar organizers effort said that holding of such activity to sensitize stakeholders is very timely. He briefed about his department’s preparation from disaster management to disaster risk management and disaster risk reduction approach. DG-PMD in his speech briefed the audience about PTC’s background, its activities and collaboration amongst the member countries and contribution in TC forecasting & early warning. He emphasized that in pursuit of the WMO’s EarlyWarning4All initiative, PMD, NDMA/PDMAs and all stakeholders should work hard to expand the existing early warning system (EWS) to the last-mile recipient so that the potential hydromet-induced damages are minimized. Prof. Dr. Viqar Hussain, the SEGMITE convener in his address highlighted the various activities SEGMITE is carrying out at national level across Pakistan to promote scientific and research culture. Mr. Kanwar Waseem, the provincial secretary, Pakistan Red Crescent Society, Sindh, in his address emphasized that a hydromet advisory/early warning would become a success story when it is timely disseminated to the last-mile recipient of the vulnerable community and put into action to avoid or minimize the losses. The presenters from PMD, Academia and Civil Society delivered the presentations on Tropical Cyclone, Tsunami, sea-level rise, sea water intrusion, marine pollution and other potential coastal hazards for Pakistan coast. The learned speakers highlighted that climate change-induced increase in TC intensity and Tsunami vulnerability owing to Makran Subduction Zone warrant an immediate, foolproof and robust preparedness & response system to minimize the potential damages. Representatives from Pakistan Fisher Folk Forum (PFFF), Pakistan Navy, Balochistan Coastal Development Authority, Pakistan Red Crescent Society and other stakeholders actively participated in panel discussion forum and group exercise and presented their recommendations to make a robust preparedness & response mechanism for minimizing the potential damages. At the end, Mr. Zubair Ahmed Siddiqui, Director-PMD presented the vote of thanks.

نیشنل ہائی وے اتھارٹی/(NHA) واپڈا(WAPDA)نے محکمہ موسمیات کوپیشگی اطلاع کیے بغیر پاکستان کا سب سے پرانازلزلہ پیما مرکز( کوئٹہ: قائم شدہ 1954 ) گرا دیا ہے۔

جس کی وجہ سے زلزلوں کی پیمائش کا نظام بری طرح متاثر ہو گیا ہے۔ محکمہ موسمیات کو زلزلہ کی اطلاع دینے میں دشواری کا سامنا ہے۔

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and the Institute of Electrical Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IEECAS) was signed on September 21, 2023 in Beijing. Mr. Sahibzad Khan, Director General PMD and Dr. Yaohua Li, Director, IEECAS signed the MoU. During the MoU signing ceremony the two sides discussed in detail the implementation plan of the MoU. Four members delegation led by DG PMD is on official visit to China.

The purpose of the MOU is to initiate and promote the establishment of a VLF/LF lightning detection network in Pakistan to improve the lightning warning capability of PMD and to reduce the casualties and property losses caused by lightning disasters.

Mr. Khan Muhammad Wazir, Science Counsellor, Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing and Prof. Tianhua Hong, Executive Director, China- Pakistan Joint Research Center on Earth Sciences witnessed the signing of the MOU.

Addressing the signing ceremony of the MoU, Mr. Khan Muhammad Wazir, conveyed congratulation and good wishes of H.E., the Ambassador towards the cooperation partners and shared that the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing will provide all possible support in the implementation of the MoU. Prof- Tainhua Hong, while addressing the ceremony, expressed satisfaction over the growing and results oriented STI cooperation between the two countries and hoped that the instant cooperation will bring the two brotherly countries more close and connected.

An inauguration ceremony for the project of “Rainwater Harvesting for Groundwater Recharge in Islamabad” was held with the attendance of Honorable Chief Guest, Captain (Retd.) Muhammad Usman Younas, Chief Commission/Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA), Islamabad, Dr Muhammad Ashraf, Chairman, Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), Mr. Sahibzad Khan, Director General, Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and Sardar Khan Zimri, Deputy Director General, Water Management, CDA, Islamabad.

The honourable guests were welcomed by Mr. Sahibzad Khan, Director General, PMD along with the senior officers of PMD. Director General, PMD appreciated the project and emphasis such a project should be launched in the rest of the urban cities of Pakistan to mitigate the challenges of climate change on groundwater depletion/recharge. The chairman, PCRWR briefed about the importance and design of the project. The Deputy Director General, Water Management (CDA), briefed about the other rainwater harvesting sites and installation challenges in Islamabad. The Chief Guest appreciated the efforts made by CDA and PCRWR. Later on, the rainwater harvesting site for groundwater recharge was inaugurated by the Chief Guest. The ceremony ended with a vote of thanks by Mr. Zahid Rafi, Chief Meteorologist, PMD.

The honourable Chief Guest thanked the Director General, PMD for their warm welcome and hospitality. Director General, PMD thanked the Honorable Chief Commissioner/ Chairman CDA, Islamabad for sparing valuable moments and acknowledging the role and services of PMD.

British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Dr. Christian Turner CMG, visited Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Headquarters Office Islamabad, on 02nd November, 2022. The honorable guest was welcomed by the Director General, PMD, Mr. Sahibzad Khan along with the senior officers of PMD.

Dr. Christian Turner and Director General, PMD along with his team visited the Weather Surveillance Radar, Islamabad. Honorable High Commissioner showed keen interest in the operation of the Radar. The delegation also visited National Weather Forecasting Centre (NWFC) and Seismic Monitoring Center at Met. Headquarter PMD, Islamabad. They were also briefed about the installations of Flash Flood Early Warning Center for Nullah Lai Basin. Honorable High Commissioner took keen interest in the working of PMD and appreciated the efforts being made in provision of weather information and early warning.

Honorable High Commissioner thanked the Director General, PMD for their warm welcome and hospitality. Director General, PMD thanked the Honorable High Commissioner for sparing valuable moments and acknowledging the role and services of PMD in weather forecasting and seismic monitoring. Later on, the honorable guest planted a tree in the premises of PMD.

Some private social media accounts are creating sensationalism, disinformation and hype regarding Pakistan weather forecast without any source and scientific evidences. PMD strongly denies such statements being based on speculation. PMD warns so-called Weather Experts to avoid causing unnecessary hype & panic on behalf of PMD. All the stakeholders are requested to not pay attention on this erroneous information/news. PMD is closely monitoring the monsoon and will share the authenticated weather information to the stakeholders, print electronic media and general public whenever required.

A Japanese delegation headed by Honorable Parliamentary Vice Minister Foreign Affair, Japan Mr. Taro Honda visited Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Headquarters Office, Islamabad on 03rd August, 2022. The honorable guests were welcomed by the Director General, PMD Mr. Sahibzad Khan along with the senior officers of PMD.

Vice Minister of Japan Mr. Taro Honda and Director General, PMD along with his team visited the newly completed Specialized Medium Range Weather Forecasting Centre, Islamabad and observed its operationalization for Weather Forecasting of Pakistan. The delegation also visited Weather Surveillance Radar & Wind Profiler, National Weather Forecasting Centre (NWFC), HPC facility, SMRFC at Met Headquarter PMD, Islamabad. They were also briefed about the installations of Early Warning for Nullah Lai. The Japanese delegation took keen interest in the working of PMD in general and appreciated the efforts being made in provision of information and early warning services. The visiting delegation thanked the Director General, PMD for their warm welcome and hospitality.

Director General, PMD thanked the delegation for extending cooperation to Pakistan in the field of Early Warning expertise.

Pakistan Meteorological Department in collaboration with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), University of Leeds UK and Met Office UK organized a Knowledge Sharing Workshop on Socioeconomic Benefits of Weather and Climate Services in Pakistan at Ramada Hotel Islamabad on 2nd August 2022.

Director General, PMD, Mahr Sahibzad Khan welcomed the distinguished delegates and briefly highlighted on the meteorological services being rendered and socio-economic benefits being obtained by the wide variety of socio-economic sectors. He stressed on the best and efficient utilization of Met. services specifically in agriculture sector.

Dr. Mandira Shrestha from ICIMOD also briefed on the key points of the study and efforts being made recommendations on further coordinated actions and planning practices for maximum yield and minimizing the losses due to the harsh weather and climate in general.

Participants from sectoral organizations like agriculture, academia and scientists and researcher participated the event and shared their experiences and expertise for the improvement and efficient services delivery processes.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) Headquarters office, Islamabad, between PMD and Islamia University, Bahawalpur (IUB), on 29th June 2022, by Mr. Sahibzad Khan, Director General, Meteorological Services and Engr. Prof. Dr. Athar Mahboob (TI), Vice Chancellor, Islamia University, Bahawalpur.

This MoU is aimed at collaborating with each other to build prosperous Pakistan by using efficient use of climatic and meteorological information in the development of the agriculture sector, forests, and water resources in a spirit of United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The intervention includes but is not limited to capacity building, strengthening research and development in climatic and agricultural sciences, conducting joint training/certifications, data sharing, quality improvement, and developing a sustainable program that will work with the collaboration of all key stakeholders.

A four-member Technical Expert Group/Delegation from Hungary visited Pakistan Meteorological Department, Headquarters Office, Islamabad on 17th May, 2022. The honorable guests were warmly welcomed by the Director General, PMD Mr. Sahibzad Khan along with the senior officers of PMD.

Director General, PMD gave a detailed presentation regarding flood forecasting and early warning systems including the new weather surveillance radar in Islamabad. The Hungarian delegation took keen interest in the working of PMD in general and appreciated the efforts being made in provision of information and early warnings for hydrometeorological and geophysical disasters.

Later the Technical Expert Group visited the key units of PMD. Director, National Weather Forecasting Center and Director, Engineering gave comprehensive briefing on the activities of their centers and role in the disaster mitigation at national level.

Director General, PMD thanked the delegation for extending cooperation to Pakistan in the field of water management.

The inaugural ceremony of Weather Surveillance Radar Karachi was held at Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) Met Complex University Road, Karachi today. The federal Minister of Aviation Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Khan, was the Chief Guest on the occasion. A new state of the art S-Band Doppler weather Radar became operational with the generous support of Government of Japan. The Chief Guest thanking the Government of Japan and JICA highlighted the fact that Karachi Radar would help PMD in monitoring & tracking the Tropical Cyclone in the Arabian Sea, heavy rain-thunderstorms within 450 km radius and maximum winds within 200km through its Doppler feature and hence to prepare effective early warnings. Which would help to mitigate the human & infrastructural damages. The chief guest also paid gratitude to the Japan Govt for pledging the two more Radars for Multan and Sukkur whose work would get underway soon.

Mr. Toshikazu ISOMURA, the Consul General Govt of Japan, Mr. Shigeki FURUTA, Chief Representative JICA Office Pakistan, Mr. Mir Hassan Naqvi, Sr. Joint Secretary, Aviation Division, Mr. Sahibzad Khan, DG-PMD, DG Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), DG PDMA, Sindh, Representatives Red Crescent Sindh, Hands & other stakeholders also attended ceremony.

In his welcome speech, DG- PMD thanked the Government of Japan for their gracious cooperation and support for installation of such latest technology Radar in Pakistan through JICA. He elaborated that the newly installed Weather Radar is a state-of-the-art technology with added Doppler feature. Which will be helpful to determine the structure of storm and their potential to cause severe weather.

Mr. Toshikazu ISOMURA, the Consul General Govt of Japan in his speech said that the Government of Japan had previously provided Radar in early 90’s. He further said considering that Pakistan constantly is facing floods, cyclones and other natural hazards, the Govt of Japan decided to support Pakistan with latest Radar technology to effectively & efficiently deal with increasing natural disasters. He appreciated the efforts of PMD Engineers for keeping old Radars operational for over 30 years.

The Chief Meteorologist and Project Director, WSR, presented the souvenirs to the Chief Guest Consul General of Japan and Chief Representative of JICA.

Chairman NDMA Lieutenant General Akhtar Nawaz (Hilal-e-Imtiaz Military) visited Pakistan Meteorological Department, Headquarters Office, Islamabad on 3rd March, 2022. The honorable guest was warmly welcomed by the Director General, PMD Mr. Sahibzad Khan along with the senior officers of PMD. Chairman, NDMA visited the key units of PMD. Director, National Seismic Monitoring Center and Deputy Director, Research & Development Division gave comprehensive briefing on the activities of their centers and role in the disaster mitigation at national level. Chairman, NDMA took keen interest in the working of PMD in general and specifically tsunami early warning system. He appreciated the efforts being made in provision of information and early warnings for hydrometeorological and geophysical disasters as well as tsunami early warning. The Chairman, NDMA assured their continued support in further strengthening of the hydromet and seismic early warning systems of PMD.

Later on, the honorable guest planted a tree in the premises of PMD to the support the national spring plantation drive.

Director General, PMD thanked the Chairman NDMA for sparing valuable moments and acknowledging the role and services of PMD in weather forecasting and seismic monitoring.

As a results of mostly less rain and above normal day temperature prediction over Islamabad/Rawalpindi cities in coming few weeks, the pollen is likely to start early say in first week of March in Islamabad and Rawalpindi and expected to attain peak during second fortnight of March 2022. Pollen season is expected to end by mid-April. Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has been monitoring the airborne pollen in Islamabad throughout the year. Pollen monitoring unit of PMD has installed pollen monitoring devices in different sectors of Islamabad (H-8, E-8, F-10 and G-6). The pollen concentration increases gradually with the onset of spring season and attains its peak around full blossom. The most abundant pollen types in Islamabad are from 08 plant species (i. e. Paper Mulberry, Acacia, Eucalyptus, Pines, Grasses, Cannabis, Dandelion and Alternaria). Out of all these plants Paper Mulberry shares about 97% of the total pollen and its concentration touches the extreme limits of about 40,000 per cubic meter of air at the peak of the blossom season. People suffering from Asthma and respiratory diseases experience serious consequences due to sharp increase in pollen concentrations. PMD will continuously publish pollen concentration data throughout the pollen season on its website and print/electronic media on daily basis. This concentration data will be regularly uploaded on PMD website: www.pmd.gov.pk .Public may contact at following phone numbers for related information; 051-9250334, 051-9250364 and 051-9250369 or email at pollen@pmd.gov.pk for queries regarding pollen count.