Islamabad: Panic gripped residents of Islamabad and adjoining areas after a strong earthquake shook northern Pakistan in the early hours of Monday, forcing people out of their homes while reciting Kalma Tayyaba and Istighfar. The tremors, which lasted nearly ten seconds, were powerful enough to create fear and anxiety across the federal capital, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Swat, Abbottabad, and Mansehra.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the earthquake measured 6.0 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter located in southeastern Afghanistan at a depth of 15 kilometers. The tremors were felt at around 12:18 AM and extended across a wide radius, affecting not just northern Pakistan but also parts of Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and India.
Eyewitnesses reported that in Islamabad, many residents rushed out of their houses into the streets as windows rattled and buildings swayed. Similar scenes were reported from Peshawar and Rawalpindi, where people gathered outside their homes in fear of aftershocks.
“So strong were the tremors that beds shook violently, and many of us thought the building might collapse,” said Muhammad Rafiq, a resident of G-10 sector in Islamabad. Another witness from Peshawar said the quake brought back memories of the devastating 2005 earthquake, prompting people to leave their homes immediately.
The PMD Duty Seismologist confirmed the seismic activity and stated that the tremors were moderate to strong in intensity but there have been no immediate reports of casualties or damage from Pakistan. Authorities, however, remain on alert, and rescue agencies have been directed to stay prepared in case of aftershocks.
International monitoring agencies recorded the earthquake’s magnitude as 6.2 and said its epicenter lay close to the Hindu Kush mountain range, an area known for frequent seismic activity due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Earthquakes of this magnitude have the potential to cause damage in poorly constructed buildings and hilly regions prone to landslides. In Afghanistan, tremors were strongly felt in Kabul, where people also rushed outdoors in fear. The jolt was also reported in parts of Tajikistan and northern India, highlighting the regional impact of the seismic activity.
Disaster management authorities in Pakistan have urged citizens to remain cautious and avoid enclosed spaces in case of aftershocks. Hospitals in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar were put on alert to respond to any potential emergencies.
Seismologists have repeatedly warned that northern Pakistan and adjoining regions remain vulnerable to strong earthquakes due to their geographical positioning. The 2005 earthquake that struck near Muzaffarabad had caused widespread devastation and loss of over 70,000 lives, and people in the region continue to remain sensitive to even moderate tremors.
As of now, no major damage has been reported, but officials continue to monitor the situation closely. Citizens have been advised to remain calm, follow safety guidelines, and prepare for possible aftershocks in the coming hours.