ISLAMABAD: A moderate earthquake measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale shook several districts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Wednesday, triggering widespread panic and sending people rushing out of homes, offices, and buildings.
According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC), the tremors were caused by an earthquake with its epicentre in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan, recorded at a depth of 69 kilometers. Despite the moderate magnitude, the quake was felt strongly in various parts of northern and central Pakistan.
Areas affected in KP included Upper Dir, Chitral, Shangla, Buner, Bajaur, and Ghizer, while urban centers in Punjab such as Lahore, Gujrat, Taxila, Wah Cantt, and the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi also experienced strong tremors. In many areas, frightened residents rushed outdoors while reciting the Kalma-e-Tayyaba in fear, a common reaction during seismic events in the country.
The tremor sparked memories of a similar incident just two weeks ago, when an earthquake measuring 5.5 jolted Islamabad and several cities across KP. On that occasion, tremors were felt in Swat, Mansehra, Swabi, Mardan, and Lakki Marwat, as well as Punjab cities including Karak, Chiniot, Mianwali, Hafizabad, Sheikhupura, and Gujranwala.
The NSMC noted that while Wednesday’s quake was centered deeper than the April 12 tremor—which originated northwest of Rawalpindi at a shallow depth of 12 kilometers—it still managed to shake a vast region due to its magnitude and geographical positioning.
No casualties or major damages have been reported so far. However, authorities remain on alert and have urged the public to stay calm but prepared for possible aftershocks.
Seismologists continue to monitor seismic activity in the region, which lies near major tectonic fault lines and is considered prone to frequent earthquakes. Safety advisories have been issued to residents in vulnerable zones, and emergency response teams are on standby should any further tremors occur.
