A 5.0 magnitude earthquake shook multiple cities across Pakistan on Friday evening. Cities affected included Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Lahore, and several parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The tremors caused panic as people rushed out of buildings to open areas.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) confirmed that the quake struck around 6:45 PM. It originated from the Hindu Kush region, with a depth between 25 to 30 kilometers. Shocks were moderate but widely felt across northern and central Pakistan.
Cities React with Panic
In Islamabad and Rawalpindi, residents evacuated buildings and waited in parks and streets. Similar scenes unfolded in Lahore, where offices and malls saw sudden evacuations. Tremors also disrupted evening traffic.
Peshawar reported strong vibrations. People left markets, homes, and mosques to avoid risk. In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, areas like Muzaffarabad felt the shocks, sparking memories of past disasters.
One Muzaffarabad resident said,
“Alhamdulillah, we are safe. The tremor was sudden but strong. Everyone ran outside immediately. It reminded us of 2005.”
No Damage or Injuries Reported
Authorities confirmed no immediate reports of injuries or structural damage. However, they continue monitoring the situation. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) have alerted emergency teams and hospitals.
Officials advised the public to remain cautious. Aftershocks are likely and may follow in the next few hours.
Network Disruption and Social Media Buzz
Some areas faced temporary mobile and internet service disruption, especially in Islamabad and Peshawar. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said heavy call traffic caused brief outages, which were resolved quickly.
Social media platforms lit up with reactions. Hashtags like #earthquake, #Islamabad, and #Peshawar trended on X (formerly Twitter). Users shared videos of shaking fans, swaying walls, and evacuations. Many expressed relief and urged preparedness.
Seismologists Share Insight
Pakistan lies on the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, which makes the region highly active seismically.
Dr. Saeed Khattak, a senior seismologist at PMD, explained:
“Although this earthquake had moderate magnitude, its shallow depth allowed tremors to spread quickly. Regions like the Hindu Kush regularly trigger such activity.”
He urged building owners to follow earthquake-safe construction standards. He also recommended frequent drills in schools, offices, and hospitals.
Emergency Guidelines Issued
The NDMA re-issued public safety instructions shortly after the quake:
- If indoors, take shelter under a table or stand in a doorway.
- Stay away from windows, mirrors, and large furniture.
- Do not use elevators; exit using stairs.
- Move to open areas, avoiding power lines and buildings.
- Keep emergency kits, flashlights, and a radio at home.
The NDMA urged people to avoid spreading rumors and to follow official news sources for verified information.
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Historical Risk Still Looms
Pakistan has faced several deadly earthquakes in the past. In 2005, a 7.6 magnitude quake devastated Azad Kashmir, killing over 80,000 people. In 2013, Balochistan suffered a 7.7 magnitude quake that left hundreds dead and many more displaced.
Experts say that while today’s quake caused no harm, it underlines the need for urgent disaster planning. Many areas remain vulnerable due to poorly constructed buildings and weak emergency response systems.
