A 5.8-magnitude earthquake jolted Islamabad and several other parts of Pakistan late at night, causing fear among residents and forcing many to step outside their homes as a safety measure. The tremors were described as mild to moderate but were strong enough to be felt across a wide region.
According to reports, the earthquake was felt in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, as well as in northern areas including Swat, Shangla, and Buner. Tremors were also reported from parts of Azad Kashmir, especially the Neelum Valley. People said the shaking lasted for a few seconds, creating panic but no lasting disruption.
Many residents briefly evacuated their houses and apartment buildings, while others stayed alert indoors. In some areas, people gathered on streets and open grounds until the tremors stopped. Emergency services remained on standby, but no rescue operations were required.
Seismic data showed that the earthquake had a depth of around 159 kilometers, which reduced its potential to cause serious damage. The epicenter was located near the Tajikistan and Xinjiang border region, an area known for frequent seismic activity due to tectonic plate movement.
So far, authorities have confirmed that no casualties or major property damage have been reported. Power and communication systems continued to function normally, and life returned to routine shortly after the shaking ended.
Pakistan lies in a seismically active zone and often experiences earthquakes of varying intensity. Experts advise citizens to remain prepared, follow safety guidelines, and stay informed during such events.
Officials have urged the public not to panic and to rely only on verified information. Monitoring of aftershocks is ongoing, but no further tremors have been reported so far.
