Second earthquake in 24 hours shakes parts of Pakistan, no damage reported

A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck parts of Pakistan in the early hours of Sunday, shaking several cities including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and multiple areas across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Punjab, according to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC).

The quake, which occurred around 12:10am, sent residents fleeing their homes in panic, with many reciting prayers as tremors rattled buildings. The epicentre was identified 15 kilometres southeast of Rawat, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres, the NSMC said.

Tremors were felt in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, as well as in neighbouring areas such as Murree, Haripur, Chakwal, Talagang, Kallar Kahar, and Mardan.

The seismic activity caused widespread alarm, prompting many people to remain outdoors for extended periods, fearing possible aftershocks, as reported by local media outlets.

This latest quake came less than 24 hours after a stronger tremor, measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale, was recorded on Saturday.

That quake originated in the Hindu Kush mountain range in Afghanistan, at a depth of 102 kilometres. Its effects were felt across vast swathes of northern Pakistan, parts of Afghanistan, and Tajikistan.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Saturday’s tremor was experienced in several districts including Peshawar, Swat, Malakand, Nowshera, Charsadda, Dir, Karak, Mardan, Mohmand, Shangla, Hangu, Swabi, Haripur, and Abbottabad.

Meanwhile, cities across Punjab — such as Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Attock, Taxila, and Muridke — also reported light to moderate shaking.

Fortunately, no injuries or significant property damage have been reported following either of the earthquakes. Authorities continue to monitor seismic activity and have urged the public to remain cautious.