ISLAMABAD: A moderate earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale shook parts of northern Pakistan late Tuesday night, prompting residents in several cities to rush out of homes and buildings in panic.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the earthquake struck at 11:15 p.m. local time (2315 PST) with its epicentre in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan at a depth of 234 kilometres.
The quake was recorded at latitude 36.56°N and longitude 71.40°E, the department said in a statement.
Tremors were felt across Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Chitral, Swat, Dir, Malakand, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Gilgit and parts of northern Punjab, according to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). The tremors were also reported in Badakhshan province of Afghanistan.
Residents in several cities recited prayers as they rushed outdoors when the tremors began. However, there were no immediate reports of casualties or property damage, officials said.
🚨 EARTHQUAKE UPDATE:
روالپنڈی اسلام آباد میں زلزلے کے شدید جھٹکے محسوس کئے گئےAn earthquake originated on 21-10-2025 at 23:15 PST
Mag: 5.3
Depth: 234 Km
Lat: 36.56 °N
Long: 71.40 °E
Epicenter: Hindu Kush Region, Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/nEyg2C4yAM— Weather Updates PK (@WeatherWupk) October 21, 2025
The PDMA said its control room remained in contact with district administrations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and so far, “no reports of loss of life or damage to infrastructure have been received.” It added that citizens could report any untoward incidents through the PDMA helpline 1700.
Emergency and rescue services were placed on high alert following the tremors.
Pakistan lies in a seismically active region, where tremors are common due to tectonic activity along the Himalayan fault line.
