A 5.3 magnitude earthquake struck parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Punjab, and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) on Monday evening, shaking homes and prompting residents to rush outdoors in panic. The tremors were reported in several cities, including Peshawar, Islamabad, Swat, Rawalpindi, and Chitral.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the earthquake’s epicenter was located in the Hindukush region of Afghanistan, with a depth of nearly 180 kilometers. The depth reduced the surface impact, but the quake was strong enough to be widely felt across northern and central Pakistan.
Residents described hearing a low rumble followed by several seconds of shaking. In many areas, people quickly evacuated their homes and offices, while others recited prayers as aftershocks were feared. Thankfully, no immediate reports of damage or casualties were received.
The 5.3 magnitude earthquake follows a similar incident that occurred only weeks earlier, when a 4.3 magnitude tremor jolted Swat and nearby regions. That earlier quake also originated from the Hindukush range, which continues to be a recurring seismic hotspot.
Pakistan lies along a seismically active fault line, making it prone to frequent tremors due to the ongoing collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates beneath the Himalayas. Experts note that while such earthquakes are common in the Hindukush region, the consistent pattern of moderate to strong quakes serves as a reminder of the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters.
In response to Monday’s tremor, authorities placed emergency teams on standby and urged the public to remain alert. Citizens were advised to stay outdoors during aftershocks, avoid standing near glass structures, and ensure safety measures inside homes.
The 5.3 magnitude earthquake once again highlights how the Hindukush zone remains one of the most active seismic belts in South Asia, capable of producing tremors that ripple across Pakistan, reminding residents of nature’s unpredictable force.
