A 5.3 magnitude earthquake struck Islamabad and several parts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) late Wednesday night, sending residents rushing out of their homes and buildings as strong tremors were felt across multiple cities.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the earthquake occurred at approximately 10:57 PM Pakistan Standard Time. Seismic experts reported that the quake originated in the Hindu Kush mountain region of Afghanistan, a seismically active area that frequently generates earthquakes affecting Pakistan and neighboring countries.
The earthquake struck at a depth of 174 kilometers, allowing tremors to spread across a wide geographical area. Residents in Islamabad and Rawalpindi reported feeling the shaking for several seconds, while tremors were also experienced in Peshawar, Mardan, Buner, and other districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The sudden earthquake caused panic, with people evacuating homes, offices, and commercial buildings as a safety precaution. Despite the widespread tremors, authorities confirmed there were no immediate reports of casualties, injuries, or significant damage to infrastructure.
Emergency response agencies and local administrations remained on alert, monitoring the situation for possible aftershocks and responding to any emergency calls. Officials advised citizens to remain calm and follow earthquake safety protocols if further tremors occur.
The latest seismic event comes only days after a 5.9 magnitude earthquake shook several parts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, affecting cities including Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Mianwali, and Multan. On the same day, a separate 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck Barkhan district in Balochistan, injuring three people.
Pakistan remains one of the world’s earthquake-prone countries due to its location along the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Seismologists continue to urge the public to stay informed, prepare emergency plans, and follow official safety guidelines during seismic events.
