ISLAMABAD: A moderate earthquake measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale struck Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and several northern regions of Pakistan on Saturday night, causing momentary panic among residents. No casualties or damage to property have been reported so far.
According to Pakistan’s National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC), the earthquake occurred at approximately 10:48 p.m. local time, with its epicentre located around 15 kilometres southeast of Rawalpindi at a depth of 17 kilometres.
The magnitude of the quake was recorded at 4.8, said the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s Seismological Centre in a statement.
Tremors were widely felt in several areas, including Murree, Chakwal, Gujar Khan, Taxila, Kahuta, Jhelum, Kallar Syedan, and parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) such as Balouch, Dhirkot, Samahni, and Bhanbar.
As the tremors struck, people rushed out of their homes and buildings in fear, with many reciting verses from the Holy Quran. Reports from affected regions suggest that light shaking was felt.
Social media platforms were flooded with reports of the quake, as residents shared their experiences of the tremors.
Seismically active region
Emergency response teams and local authorities have been put on high alert. Although no structural damage or injuries have been reported so far, authorities have advised the public to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols.
Local emergency services have increased patrols to respond to any aftershocks or related incidents.
Seismologists warn that Pakistan is located in a seismically active region, as the country lies on the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s Seismological Centre, this region frequently experiences earthquakes due to the northward movement of the Indian plate.
Pakistan has experienced several earthquakes in recent months. In November 2024, a 5.3-magnitude earthquake jolted Islamabad and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with its epicentre in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan—an area known for high seismic activity.
More recently, on January 5, 2025, a 3.6-magnitude earthquake struck Balochistan’s Qalat district, prompting similar panic among residents.
