Several parts of Pakistan were rattled on Friday when a 5.0 magnitude earthquake struck, sending tremors through major cities including Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and Rawalpindi, as well as areas in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Residents reported feeling the quake in the early hours, with many rushing outdoors amid concerns over aftershocks. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) confirmed the quake’s magnitude at 5.0 on the Richter scale.
While no immediate damage or casualties were reported, the quake sparked concern in densely populated urban centers. Earthquakes of this magnitude can cause minor structural damage, especially in older buildings or poorly constructed areas.
Pakistan lies in a seismically active region, with the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates intersecting beneath the country. This particular zone has a history of moderate to severe seismic activity, making quick emergency response and public awareness crucial.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation, and disaster response teams remain on alert in case of aftershocks or infrastructure concerns.
