ISLAMABAD: An earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale struck parts of Pakistan on Friday, causing panic in Islamabad and several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the epicenter was located in the Hindu Kush mountain range in Afghanistan, with a depth of 190 kilometers.
The tremors were widely felt across the country, including in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Chitral, Swat, Dir, Shangla, Malakand, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and anxiety as residents rushed out of homes and workplaces, gathering in open areas for safety.
Many were seen reciting prayers and comforting one another while waiting for the tremors to subside. In several areas, families remained outdoors for an extended period, wary of aftershocks and closely monitoring the situation.
Authorities reported no immediate casualties or significant damage to property. Emergency services and local authorities remain on high alert, with officials advising the public to stay vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines in case of further seismic activity or aftershocks.
Pakistan lies in one of the world’s most seismically active regions, situated near the collision boundary between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates along the Himalayan fault line. The area frequently experiences mild to moderate earthquakes.
