A 5.3-magnitude earthquake was felt in Islamabad, Lahore, and several areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Wednesday, causing brief panic among residents. Tremors were also experienced in nearby regions, prompting many people to leave their homes, offices, and buildings as a precaution until the shaking stopped.
According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC), the earthquake originated in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region at a depth of 174 kilometres. The considerable depth of the quake allowed its tremors to be felt across a wide area, including parts of northern and central Pakistan.
Authorities said there were no immediate reports of casualties, injuries, or major damage to buildings or infrastructure. Officials continue to monitor the situation, while emergency services remain on alert in case any delayed reports emerge from the affected areas.
Pakistan frequently experiences earthquakes due to its location on the boundary of several major tectonic plates, making seismic activity a regular occurrence in many parts of the country. Residents are advised to remain cautious and follow safety guidelines during and after earthquakes.
