5.9-magnitude
Islamabad
An earthquake of 5.9 magnitude struck Islamabad, and parts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), with tremors reported in several cities, including Rawalpindi, Lahore and Peshawar.
The National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC) said that the earthquake originated at a depth of 178 kilometres, with its epicentre located in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan. Strong tremors were reported in KP’s Shangla, Buner, Swat, and surrounding localities, while residents in Mardan, Charsadda, and nearby areas also felt the earthquake.
The tremors were also felt in Swabi, Kohat, Karak, Malakand, Bajaur and Hangu, Wana and Lower Dir.
Following the earthquake, the KP Assembly session was adjourned for five minutes.
In Punjab, the earthquake was felt in Mianwali and adjoining areas, as well as in Chakwal, Jhang and adjoining localities.
In AJK, tremors were reported in Neelum Valley’s district headquarters, Athmuqam, while residents in Muzaffarabad also felt the earthquake.
There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage to property.
People ran out of their doors in panic in Swat, resident Daniyal Ahmad told Reuters. There were no immediate reports of casualties.
