Fresh Earthquake Shakes KP and Punjab, Originates from Afghan-Tajik Border
Another Earthquake Rattles KP and Punjab as Quake Hits Afghan-Tajik Border
For the second time in two weeks, tremors were experienced across various cities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab, following a 5.9-magnitude earthquake that originated near the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border on Saturday.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the quake struck at approximately 11:48 a.m., with a magnitude of 5.9 on the Richter scale and a depth of 94 kilometers. The epicenter was located in the mountainous border region between Afghanistan and Tajikistan.
However, international monitoring centers reported slightly varying details. The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) measured the quake at 5.8-magnitude with a depth of 92 km, while the United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded it at 5.7-magnitude and 94 km deep.
No fatalities or property damage were reported, as confirmed by Rescue 1122 spokesperson Bilal Ahmad Faizi. Nevertheless, the tremors startled residents in several KP districts, prompting them to evacuate buildings and gather in open spaces for safety.
Strong tremors were reported from Peshawar, Swabi, Nowshera, Abbottabad, Battagram, Mansehra, and Shangla, a correspondent from Dawn.com confirmed.
In Punjab, similar shaking was felt in cities including Lahore, Gujrat, and Faisalabad. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued a statement noting that administrative teams across the province are inspecting infrastructure to assess any potential structural threats or cracks.
The PDMA Director General stated that emergency response teams and heavy machinery have been placed on standby to address any aftershocks or damage. Citizens were urged to report any incidents or damages by calling the PDMA helpline at 1129.
Just a week ago, a 5.5-magnitude quake had also struck near Islamabad and Rawalpindi. That incident was preceded by smaller tremors of 4.3 and 3.8 magnitudes from the same border region.
The recent activity follows a noticeable trend: Pakistan has experienced about 20 low-intensity earthquakes in the first half of February alone—averaging more than one each day. Experts suggest that such consistent seismic movement may help avoid larger, more destructive earthquakes by releasing pent-up energy within the Earth’s crust.
Geological engineer Muhammad Rehan explained that Pakistan is positioned over the convergence of three major tectonic plates—Arabian, Eurasian, and Indian. This unique geological setting creates five distinct seismic zones across the country, making it prone to frequent quakes.
FAQs for Pakistani Readers
1. Why is Pakistan experiencing so many earthquakes recently?
Pakistan lies at the intersection of three major tectonic plates, making it naturally vulnerable to seismic activity. Frequent minor tremors are common in such regions.
2. Was this recent earthquake dangerous?
Although it was strongly felt across KP and Punjab, no casualties or damages have been reported so far, according to rescue and disaster authorities.
3. Which areas felt the tremors the most?
Tremors were primarily felt in cities including Peshawar, Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Abbottabad, Faisalabad, Gujrat, and Swabi.
4. What should people do in case of aftershocks?
Stay away from damaged buildings, move to open areas if possible, and keep emergency kits ready. Follow PDMA guidelines and report incidents via their helpline (1129).
5. Are small earthquakes a sign of a bigger one coming?
Experts believe small quakes help release geological pressure gradually, which can actually reduce the chances of a catastrophic earthquake.
