A 5.9-magnitude earthquake rattled Islamabad and several parts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, sending people rushing out of their homes, offices and commercial buildings as strong tremors were felt across multiple cities. According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC), the earthquake originated at a depth of 178 kilometres, with its epicentre located in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region. No immediate reports of casualties or property damage have been received so far.
Besides Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the tremors were felt in Lahore, Mianwali, Chakwal and Jhang, while a large number of districts across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Mardan, Charsadda, Swabi, Kohat, Karak, Malakand, Bajaur, Hangu, Wana and Lower Dir, also experienced the quake. In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, residents of Muzaffarabad and Athmuqam reported feeling the tremors. The shaking was strong enough to briefly interrupt proceedings in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, where the session was adjourned for five minutes.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as residents hurried into the streets as a precaution. In Swat, locals said the tremors were particularly intense and lasted longer than expected, with frightened families, including women and children, gathering outside their homes until the shaking subsided. Authorities said they continue to monitor the situation, though no injuries or significant damage have been reported.
Pakistan remains one of the region’s most earthquake-prone countries due to its location along the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The country has witnessed several devastating earthquakes over the years, including the 2005 Azad Kashmir earthquake that claimed more than 73,000 lives. Experts continue to stress the importance of disaster preparedness, particularly in mountainous regions where rescue operations can become significantly more challenging following major seismic events.
Sources: Geo News, Samaa TV, Pakistan Today
