arthquake epicentre located in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region, says National Seismic Monitoring Centre
Tremors were felt in Islamabad and several cities across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
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.
A 5.9-magnitude earthquake shook Islamabad and parts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), with tremors also reported in several cities, including Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Peshawar.
The National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC) stated that the quake originated at a depth of 178 kilometres, with its epicentre in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region.
Strong tremors were reported in KP’s Shangla, Buner, Swat, and surrounding localities, while residents in Mardan, Charsadda, and nearby areas also felt the earthquake.
Tremors were felt in Swabi, Kohat, Karak, Malakand, Bajaur, Hangu, Wana and Lower Dir.
Following the quake, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly session was briefly adjourned for five minutes.
In Punjab, the earthquake was experienced in Mianwali and nearby areas, along with Chakwal, Jhang and adjoining localities.
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), tremors were reported from Athmuqam, the district headquarters of Neelum Valley, while residents of Muzaffarabad also felt the shocks.
No immediate reports of casualties or property damage were received.
In Swat, people rushed out of homes in panic as strong tremors were felt, resident Daniyal Ahmad told Reuters. He said the shaking lasted for several seconds, prompting residents—including women and children—to gather in open areas in fear.
Pakistan lies along the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it highly prone to earthquakes. The country has faced a number of destructive quakes in recent decades.
In February this year, a 5.8-magnitude earthquake jolted Islamabad, Swat and Hunza, while the catastrophic 2005 Kashmir earthquake killed more than 73,000 people and displaced millions.
In 2021, a quake in Harnai, Balochistan, killed at least 20 people and caused significant disruption to rescue operations due to landslides.
Experts say Pakistan’s rugged and mountainous terrain makes emergency response challenging, underscoring the need for stronger preparedness and disaster management systems.
