Strong earthquake jolts Islamabad and KP

A strong earthquake shook several cities across Pakistan on Tuesday evening, spreading panic among residents in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The tremors were widely felt in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Swat, and many other areas of northern Pakistan. According to the Meteorological Department’s National Seismic Monitoring Center, the earthquake struck at 8:17 p.m. local time. Its epicenter was located in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan at a depth of 195 kilometers. The tremors caused residents in multiple cities to rush out of their homes, offices, and markets in fear. People recited prayers in open spaces as the ground shook for several seconds.

Despite the intensity, no immediate reports of injuries or property damage have been received so far. Experts note that the Hindu Kush region is prone to deep-focus earthquakes due to complex tectonic activity, and such quakes are often felt across large areas of South and Central Asia. Because of the depth recorded, the shaking was strong but less destructive compared to shallow quakes.

Authorities have urged citizens to remain calm but stay alert for possible aftershocks. Rescue and emergency services have been placed on standby in major cities, though no relief operations have yet been required. This is the latest in a series of tremors that Pakistan has experienced in recent months, reminding people of the region’s seismic vulnerability. Officials continue to stress the importance of earthquake preparedness, especially in densely populated urban areas. The incident once again highlights the need for stronger safety measures and public awareness campaigns to minimize risks in future quakes. For now, life in affected cities has returned to normal as monitoring teams continue to assess the situation.