QUETTA: A mild earthquake with a magnitude of 3.5 rattled several cities across Balochistan on Saturday, sending panicked residents into the streets but resulting in no immediate reports of casualties or structural damage.
According to the Seismic Monitoring Centre, the tremor struck at a depth of 20 kilometres. The epicentre was pinpointed 23 kilometres south-west of the city of Loralai. The quake’s effects were felt most strongly in Loralai, Chaman, and their surrounding towns and villages.
The sudden tremors caused a wave of alarm, with many inhabitants rushing out of their homes and places of work to seek safety in open spaces. Eyewitness accounts from the affected areas described scenes of brief chaos and anxiety as people reacted to the unexpected shaking. Many residents, fearing for their safety, were seen reciting prayers and verses from the Quran as a protective measure until the tremors subsided.
Local authorities swiftly moved to assess the situation following the seismic event. Initial surveys and reports from the districts confirmed the fortunate outcome that there were no injuries to people and no damage to buildings or critical infrastructure. The absence of any significant impact was a relief to the communities and emergency services.
Despite the mild nature of the initial quake, officials have advised the public, particularly those in the affected regions, to remain cautious. The possibility of aftershocks, a common occurrence following even minor earthquakes, has been highlighted. Residents have been urged to stay alert and to follow standard safety protocols, which include moving away from heavy objects and unstable structures if tremors are felt again.
Meanwhile the Balochistan government has made it mandatory for all restaurants and hotels in Quetta to register with the tax authority and install Point of Sale (PoS) machines. Businesses failing to comply will face closure.
According to officials from the Balochistan Revenue Authority (BRA), a comprehensive campaign has been officially launched to promote transparency and expand the tax net. The initiative mandates every restaurant and hotel in the provincial capital to integrate into the formal economy through tax registration and the immediate installation of PoS systems.
