ISLAMABAD: A significant 5.8 magnitude earthquake, originating near the Tajikistan-Xinjiang border, sent tremors rolling across vast swathes of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir late Tuesday night, causing widespread alarm but no immediate reports of damage.
The powerful tremors were felt in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, as well as in the northern districts of Swat, Shangla, and Buner. The shaking also extended into Azad Kashmir, with residents in the Neelum Valley reporting strong vibrations. In multiple cities, startled citizens rushed out of their homes and buildings into open spaces as the ground swayed, a typical safety response during seismic events in the region.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s seismological centre, the quake struck at a depth of 159 kilometres. Its epicentre was located in the remote border region between Tajikistan and China’s Xinjiang province. The considerable depth of the quake is likely a key factor in the widespread reach of the tremors and the absence of major structural damage on the Pakistani side.
While the event triggered significant fear and disruption, authorities have confirmed no initial reports of casualties or infrastructure damage within Pakistan. The region is seismically active, lying at the confluence of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it prone to such earthquakes. The incident served as a stark reminder for residents and authorities to maintain preparedness for seismic events.
