A 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck Islamabad and several cities in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Wednesday, according to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC). Tremors were felt in cities like Swat, Peshawar, Charsadda, Mardan, and Malakand, sparking fear among residents.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush mountain range at a depth of 220 kilometers. As the tremors shook buildings, residents quickly recited Kalma-e-Tayyaba, seeking comfort, and left their homes for safety. Fortunately, no injuries or property damage have been reported from the incident.
This quake comes shortly after a similar 4.7-magnitude earthquake hit Swat and nearby areas, causing brief panic but no harm. Earlier this month, another tremor of 5.4 magnitude, with an epicenter near DG Khan, was recorded.
In Pakistan, earthquakes are not uncommon, especially in regions close to active fault lines like the Hindu Kush, which often experiences deep earthquakes. These quakes are usually strong enough to be felt across Pakistan but rarely cause severe damage due to their depth.
While people continue to feel anxious about these frequent tremors, officials have advised residents to remain calm and take safety precautions during such events.