5.3-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Islamabad, Parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab

Islamabad: Moderate earthquake tremors were felt in Islamabad and several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab on Wednesday, causing panic among residents who rushed out of homes and buildings as a precaution.

According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre, the earthquake measured 5.3 on the Richter scale. The epicentre was located in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region at a depth of 174 kilometres, a depth that often allows tremors to be felt across northern Pakistan.

The tremors were reported in Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Lower Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, and several surrounding areas.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage to property following the earthquake. However, authorities are monitoring the situation and have advised residents to remain calm and follow standard safety precautions during aftershocks, if any.