A magnitude 5.3 earthquake jolted parts of northern Pakistan on Tuesday night, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) confirmed. Tremors were felt in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Chitral, Swat, Dir, and Malakand, causing brief panic among residents.
According to the PMD, the epicenter was located in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan, at a depth of 234 kilometers.
Emergency response teams have been placed on alert while officials collect more data about the quake’s origin and magnitude.
So far, no casualties or property damage have been reported. Authorities have urged the public to stay calm and follow safety guidelines in case of aftershocks.
🧭 Background
Pakistan sits on the Himalayan fault line, one of the world’s most active seismic zones. The region frequently experiences moderate to strong tremors due to shifting tectonic plates between South Asia and Eurasia.
Seismologists said the depth of the quake helped reduce its surface impact, though minor aftershocks are possible.
