Strong Tremors Felt Across Northern Pakistan
A moderate earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale was felt across several parts of Pakistan on Friday, causing panic among residents in major cities and northern districts. The tremors were experienced in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and multiple areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, prompting people to rush out of buildings as a precaution.
According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC) of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the earthquake originated near the China–Tajikistan border region. The quake struck at a depth of 159 kilometres beneath the Earth’s surface, which helped reduce its destructive impact despite the wide area affected.
Residents in the twin cities reported feeling strong shaking for several seconds. Many office workers, students, and residents temporarily evacuated buildings. However, authorities confirmed that no immediate reports of casualties or major structural damage were received.
KP Districts Experience Widespread Shaking
Besides Islamabad and Rawalpindi, tremors were felt across several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Areas including Swat, Shangla, Buner, and surrounding regions experienced noticeable shaking. Eyewitnesses said doors and windows rattled, while light fixtures swayed during the quake.
In some areas, people stepped outside their homes and workplaces in fear of aftershocks. Local administrations remained on alert but later confirmed that the situation remained under control.
Seismologists explained that although the earthquake was moderate in intensity, its deep focus allowed tremors to travel across a wide geographical region. The epicentre was located along the Tajikistan–Xinjiang border area, where seismic activity is frequent due to tectonic movement.
The same seismic event reportedly measured 6.1 on the Richter scale in the Tajikistan–China border region, according to international monitoring agencies.
Region Remains Highly Prone to Earthquakes
Pakistan and its neighbouring regions continue to face frequent seismic activity. The country lies near the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it vulnerable to earthquakes of varying magnitudes.
In October last year, a 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The epicentre of that quake was located in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region at a depth of 234 kilometres. Tremors were felt across Peshawar, Upper Dir, Malakand, Bajaur, Chitral, Swat, Murree, and parts of AJK.
Just four days before that incident, another earthquake measuring 5.6 jolted KP and the federal capital, highlighting the region’s ongoing seismic instability.
Afghanistan also suffered a devastating 6.0-magnitude earthquake in September, killing more than 2,200 people and injuring thousands. The impact of that quake was felt in several Pakistani cities, including Lahore.
Karachi, despite being far from major fault lines, experienced at least 57 tremors in a single month last June, raising concerns among residents and experts alike.
Pakistan has a painful history of deadly earthquakes. The 2005 northern areas earthquake claimed over 73,000 lives, while the 1935 Quetta earthquake killed nearly 30,000 people. Experts continue to urge preparedness, strict building codes, and public awareness to reduce future risks.
