Pollen spread begins in Islamabad with onset of Spring

2026-03-06 - 08:23

With the onset of spring, pollen spread has begun in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, and it will reach its peak in the second half of March 2026. The pollen concentration gradually increases as the spring season progresses, attaining its peak around full bloom and ending by mid-April. Paper Mulberry pollen dominates in Islamabad, contributing to 97% of total pollen, with peak concentrations reaching around 45,000 grains per cubic meter in the air. The remaining 3% constitutes Acacia, Eucalyptus, Pines, Grasses, Cannabis, Dandelion and Alternaria. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has installed surveillance devices in various sectors of Islamabad i.e., H-8, E-8, F-10 and G-6 to monitor airborne pollen grains concentration in air. People with asthma and respiratory diseases are severely impacted by the surge in pollen concentrations. To help them stay informed, the PMD will publish daily updates on pollen concentration data throughout the pollen season on their website and through print and electronic media. LDA razes Orchard Greens, Farm City, other illegal housing schemes