ISLAMABAD – Tremors were felt in parts of Islamabad and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on Monday after a 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck the Afghanistan–Tajikistan border region, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
In a statement, the PMD said the earthquake occurred at 11:46am, with its epicentre located near the Afghanistan border with Tajikistan at a depth of around 170 kilometres. The impact of the tremors was felt in Islamabad as well as several districts of K-P, including Swat, Shangla and Buner.
No Immediate Damage Reported
No immediate reports of damage or casualties were received, officials said. The depth of the earthquake — approximately 170 kilometres — likely mitigated the surface impact, as deeper earthquakes tend to cause less destruction than shallow ones.
Recent Seismic Activity
On April 3, a 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck the Hindu Kush region in Afghanistan. Tremors were felt in Islamabad, Chitral, Peshawar, Swat, Shangla and other areas. Last month, a moderate earthquake measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale jolted Balochistan’s Khuzdar district and surrounding areas, though no casualties or damage were reported.
In February, an earthquake measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale struck the Hindu Kush region in Afghanistan, with tremors felt in Islamabad, Swat, Peshawar, Chitral, and other cities across Pakistan.
Geological Context
Pakistan is located in a seismically active zone, sitting on the boundary between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The collision of these plates created the Himalayas and continues to generate significant seismic activity. The Hindu Kush region, the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border area, and Balochistan are particularly prone to earthquakes.
Analysis: A Reminder of Vulnerability
Monday’s 5.7-magnitude earthquake is a reminder of Pakistan’s seismic vulnerability. While no damage was reported in this instance, the country has experienced devastating earthquakes in the past, including the 2005 Kashmir earthquake that killed over 80,000 people.
The depth of the earthquake — 170 kilometres — is notable. Deep earthquakes are felt over a wider area but tend to cause less damage. Shallow earthquakes, even of lower magnitude, can be more destructive.
The PMD’s prompt reporting of the event is commendable. Early warning and public communication are essential for disaster preparedness.
As the country continues to recover from the economic and social impacts of the Middle East crisis, a major earthquake is a risk that cannot be ignored. Building codes, emergency response systems, and public awareness are all critical.
For the residents of Islamabad and K-P who felt the tremors, Monday’s event was a momentary scare. But for geologists and disaster management officials, it was a reminder that the earth beneath Pakistan remains restless.
