Islamabad( The COW News Digital)A moderate earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale struck northern Pakistan late Thursday night, causing tremors across Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and several adjoining cities. The tremors, which struck at 12:10 AM local time, prompted residents to rush out of their homes in panic.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the epicenter of the quake was located approximately 15 kilometers southeast of Rawat, near Islamabad. The earthquake struck at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, intensifying the tremors felt across a wide area.
Cities and towns across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Attock, Swabi, Zafarwal, Swat, Shangla, Buner, and Malakand, reported shaking. Northern regions such as Mansehra, Battagram, Kohistan, Murree, and Jhelum also experienced strong jolts. Parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Muzaffarabad and surrounding towns, were similarly affected.
Though no immediate casualties or property damage were reported, authorities remain on high alert. Emergency services were mobilized as precautionary measures, and citizens were urged to stay calm but vigilant. “Thankfully, there are no initial reports of destruction or injuries. However, aftershocks are possible, and people should remain cautious,” a spokesperson for the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said.
This is the second earthquake to hit the region in less than 24 hours. On Wednesday, a slightly stronger tremor measuring 5.4 had rattled the same areas, further raising concerns about seismic activity in the region. Geologists have noted that northern Pakistan lies in an active seismic zone due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Experts warned that shallow quakes like this one tend to be more widely felt and can cause damage if centered near densely populated areas. “The repeated tremors highlight the need for better structural resilience in buildings and timely public awareness,” said Dr. Hammad Qureshi, a seismologist at PMD.
Authorities have advised the public to remain cautious, avoid using elevators, and follow safety guidelines during potential aftershocks. Disaster response teams continue to monitor the situation closely.
Residents described the tremors as strong and sudden, with furniture and windows shaking violently. Many spent the night outdoors fearing further quakes.
