ISLAMABAD: An earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale struck parts of Islamabad, Peshawar, and several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Monday, according to the Seismic Monitoring Centre. The tremors caused brief panic among residents as buildings shook across urban and rural areas.
Moreover, authorities confirmed that shaking was also felt in districts including Swat, Nowshera, Shangla, and Buner.
According to initial seismic data, the earthquake originated from the border region between Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Officials reported that the quake occurred at a depth of approximately 170 kilometres, which often reduces the likelihood of severe surface damage. Consequently, emergency services monitored the situation closely, while local administrations advised residents to remain calm and follow safety guidelines.
Pakistan remains highly vulnerable to seismic activity
Authorities stated that there were no immediate reports of casualties or structural damage following the tremors. However, disaster management teams remained on alert to respond quickly if aftershocks occurred. Furthermore, experts explained that Pakistan’s vulnerability to earthquakes stems from its location along the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, where constant geological movement increases seismic risk.
The country has experienced several devastating earthquakes in recent decades. For instance, a powerful quake struck Azad Kashmir in 2005, killing more than 73,000 people and leaving millions homeless. Similarly, a 2021 earthquake in Harnai caused fatalities and disrupted rescue operations due to landslides in mountainous terrain.
Experts continue to warn that rugged geography and densely populated settlements make emergency preparedness essential. Therefore, authorities urge citizens to stay informed, strengthen building safety standards, and maintain readiness for potential future seismic events across the region.
