5.6-Magnitude Quake Jolts KP, Islamabad, Rawalpindi

News Desk 

Islamabad: A 5.6-magnitude earthquake jolted parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Wednesday, renewing concerns over the region’s persistent seismic vulnerability. While no casualties or property damage were immediately reported, the tremors triggered panic in several cities and towns.

According to the seismological centre, the earthquake originated in Afghanistan’s Hindukush region at a depth of 114 kilometres. Tremors were felt across Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Swabi and adjoining areas, as well as Bajaur and Diamer.

The latest quake comes only days after a similar 5.6-magnitude tremor struck parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab on February 20. That quake, also traced to the Hindukush region but at a depth of 73 kilometres, was felt in multiple cities including Peshawar and Islamabad.

The back-to-back tremors have once again highlighted Pakistan’s exposure to seismic activity. Situated along the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, the country remains among the most earthquake-prone regions in the world.

Past disasters underscore the risks. The devastating 2005 earthquake in Azad Kashmir claimed more than 73,000 lives and displaced millions, while a 2021 quake in Balochistan’s Harnai district killed at least 20 people and complicated rescue efforts due to landslides and difficult terrain.

Experts warn that the mountainous geography of northern Pakistan can magnify the impact of earthquakes and hinder relief operations. 

Though Wednesday’s tremor caused no immediate damage, it serves as another reminder of the constant seismic threat facing the region and the need for sustained preparedness and resilient infrastructure.