Summary Tremors traced to Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region, officials confirm
LAHORE (Dunya News) – A strong earthquake shook Islamabad, Lahore and several other cities across Pakistan on Saturday, sending residents into panic as tremors were felt across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and surrounding regions.
People in several areas rushed out of homes and offices following the shaking, while authorities began assessing the situation.
The earthquake was felt in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Peshawar, Muzaffarabad, Malakand, Swat, Dir, Abbottabad and various other districts. Residents in multiple cities reported experiencing strong tremors, with many moving towards open spaces as a precaution.
In Muzaffarabad, people reportedly came out of their homes while reciting religious verses during the earthquake, while similar scenes were witnessed in other affected areas as citizens gathered outside buildings following the jolts.
Initial reports indicated that the earthquake measured 5.9 on the Richter scale. According to information released by authorities, the epicentre of the earthquake was located in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region. The depth of the earthquake was recorded at around 178 to 191 kilometres underground, according to preliminary assessments from different agencies.
The tremors were reported in several parts of Punjab, including Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sargodha, Chiniot, Bhera, Kalur Kot, Quaidabad, Taxila, Hasan Abdal, Faisalabad, Attock, Chakwal, Mianwali, Multan and the Potohar region.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, shaking was felt in Peshawar, Haripur, Abbottabad, Swabi, Charsadda, Hangu, Orakzai, Malakand, Swat, Lower Dir and Upper Dir, along with other areas. Tremors were also reported in Muzaffarabad and nearby regions.
The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued a report regarding the earthquake, confirming that tremors were felt across various districts of the province. The authority said the earthquake’s intensity was recorded at 5.9 on the Richter scale, with the source region identified as Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush area.
PDMA Director General said district administrations had been immediately alerted after the earthquake. Officials have started reviewing buildings in different locations and assessing whether any damage has occurred.
The provincial control room and district emergency operation centres across Punjab have been kept active around the clock, with authorities continuing to monitor developments and collect information from affected areas.
Officials said there were no immediate reports of casualties or major financial losses following the earthquake. Relevant departments are reviewing the situation and gathering details regarding any possible impact.
PDMA spokesperson urged residents to report any loss of life or property caused by the earthquake by contacting the authority’s helpline at 1129, allowing emergency teams to respond promptly if assistance is required.
