A 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck parts of Pakistan on Friday evening, sending tremors across several northern regions, including Islamabad, Peshawar, and Rawalpindi.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the earthquake’s epicentre was located in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region, an area known for frequent seismic activity due to its tectonic positioning near major fault lines. The tremors were felt strongly across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Punjab, causing brief panic among residents.
The National Seismic Monitoring Centre, operating under the PMD, confirmed that the quake occurred at a depth of 120 kilometres beneath the earth’s surface.
The considerable depth helped minimize potential surface damage despite the quake’s intensity. The shocks were also reported in Chitral, Swat, Gilgit, Abbottabad, and nearby areas, where residents rushed out of homes and buildings as precautionary measures.
Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of casualties or structural damage. Emergency services and local disaster management authorities were placed on alert to assess the situation and respond to any aftershocks or related incidents.
The tremors, though moderate in strength, served as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic events, as northern Pakistan and Afghanistan lie in an active seismic zone.
Officials from the PMD stated that the department continues to monitor seismic activity in the region closely. They advised citizens to remain cautious and follow safety guidelines during earthquakes, including moving to open spaces and avoiding buildings or walls that may collapse.
Pakistan experiences periodic earthquakes due to its location on the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
The Hindu Kush region, in particular, has been the origin of several moderate to strong earthquakes over the years. While Friday’s tremors caused temporary panic, authorities have confirmed that the situation remains stable and under control.
