A moderate earthquake hit several cities across Pakistan on Tuesday night, sending waves of panic among residents as tremors were felt in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar.
According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre, the earthquake measured 5.3 on the Richter scale and originated in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan. It struck at a depth of about 234 kilometers, which helped reduce its impact on the surface.
The tremors were felt around 11:15 pm, prompting many people to rush out of their homes and buildings in fear.
The quake was felt in multiple areas, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Chitral, Swat, and several districts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Although the shaking lasted only a few seconds, it was strong enough to alarm residents in many parts of the country.
So far, no casualties or property damage have been reported. Authorities have confirmed that the situation is under control, and monitoring teams are assessing any possible aftershocks or structural impacts. Emergency response units have also been alerted to ensure public safety.
Pakistan lies in an earthquake-prone zone due to its proximity to several active fault lines that run through the region, particularly near the Hindu Kush and Himalayan mountain ranges. Minor to moderate earthquakes are common in these areas, but residents remain on alert whenever tremors are felt.
Tuesday night’s quake served as a reminder of the country’s vulnerability to seismic activity and the importance of maintaining preparedness for such natural events.
