ISLAMABAD: A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck parts of Pakistan on Friday night, causing tremors across multiple regions, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
The earthquake occurred at 9:13 PM at a depth of 190 kilometres, with its epicentre located in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan.
🌍 Areas Affected
Tremors were felt in several cities, including:
- Islamabad
- Peshawar
- Chitral
- Swat
- Shangla
According to reports, the earthquake was also felt in:
- Rawalpindi
- Azad Jammu and Kashmir
- Gilgit-Baltistan
- Various parts of Punjab
📊 International Data
The German Research Centre for Geosciences reported a similar quake measuring 5.9 magnitude at a depth of 177 kilometres in the same region.
⚠️ Damage and Response
Authorities have confirmed that:
- No loss of life or property has been reported
- Emergency departments remain alert
The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) stated that tremors were felt in cities like Lahore, Faisalabad, Sargodha, and Mianwali, but no incidents occurred.
Similarly, disaster authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported no casualties.
🌐 Why Earthquakes Are Common in Pakistan
Pakistan is located on the intersection of three major tectonic plates:
- Arabian Plate
- Eurasian Plate
- Indian Plate
This makes the region highly prone to seismic activity, especially in northern areas near the Hindu Kush.
📌 Recent Activity
Just last week, the PMD reported another 5.3 magnitude earthquake affecting northern areas such as Gilgit, Skardu, and Balakot.
🧭 Conclusion
While the recent earthquake caused widespread panic due to its intensity, the absence of damage is a relief. However, frequent seismic activity highlights the need for preparedness and awareness in earthquake-prone regions like Pakistan.
