Pakistan was jolted by two successive earthquakes within 24 hours over the weekend, sparking panic among residents in multiple regions. According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the more recent quake occurred shortly after midnight on Sunday, while a stronger tremor had already struck early Saturday morning.
The latest earthquake, measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale, was recorded at 12:40 AM IST on Sunday. Its epicenter was located at latitude 33.36N and longitude 73.23E, with a shallow depth of just 10 kilometers. Although the tremor was moderate, shallow quakes like this often lead to more noticeable ground shaking. Fortunately, no immediate reports of damage or casualties have emerged from the affected regions.
This incident followed a more powerful 5.4-magnitude earthquake that struck parts of Pakistan in the early hours of Saturday. The National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC) stated that the epicenter of that quake was in the Hindukush mountain region of Afghanistan, a known hotspot for seismic activity. That earthquake hit at 2:04 AM PST and occurred at a depth of 102 kilometers, affecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and the capital city of Islamabad.
Residents in several cities were startled awake as tremors shook buildings, prompting many to rush outdoors in fear. While both quakes were felt widely, they did not cause any major damage or loss of life, according to initial reports.
Experts explain that Pakistan’s high vulnerability to earthquakes stems from its geographic position at the meeting point of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This seismic boundary—one of the most active in the world—regularly releases tectonic stress in the form of earthquakes.
Dr. Zafar Iqbal, a seismologist based in Islamabad, noted, “The Hindukush region is seismically active and experiences frequent tremors due to the constant movement of tectonic plates beneath the surface. Earthquakes like these, though not always devastating, serve as important reminders of our region’s geological volatility.”
While no casualties were reported in either event, authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious. Emergency services in affected regions were placed on high alert, and the Pakistan Meteorological Department is continuing to monitor seismic activity.
In recent years, Pakistan has experienced several destructive earthquakes. The most devastating in recent memory was the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, which claimed over 80,000 lives. While the recent tremors were far less severe, experts emphasize the need for better earthquake preparedness, especially in densely populated and poorly constructed urban areas.
Seismic drills, public awareness campaigns, and stricter building codes are seen as critical steps to mitigate future risks.
For now, no aftershocks have been reported, but residents are advised to stay alert and follow guidance from local authorities in case of any further seismic activity.
