5.8 magnitude earthquake strikes parts of Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: A 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck parts of Pakistan early Friday, triggering panic among residents as tremors were felt across several cities including Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the earthquake measured 5.8 on the Richter scale.
Tremors were also reported in Swat, Malakand, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, and surrounding areas, while residents in Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley and Leepa Valley also experienced shaking.
Eyewitnesses said people rushed out of their homes in fear, with many reciting prayers as the tremors continued for several seconds.
The Seismological Centre stated that the epicentre of the earthquake was located in northern Tajikistan, at a depth of 159 kilometres, which caused the tremors to be felt across northern Pakistan.
Authorities confirmed that no immediate reports of casualties or damage have been received so far.
Pakistan lies on several major fault lines and frequently experiences seismic activity. Earlier in December 2025, a 5.2 magnitude earthquake was felt in Karachi and nearby areas.
According to the Seismological Centre, the December quake occurred at 12:51am, with a depth of 12 kilometres, and was felt in areas including SITE Area, Saddar, Clifton, DHA Phase 8 and PECHS.
Residents of PECHS, Shah Faisal Colony, Liaquatabad and Buffer Zone also reported strong tremors at the time, with people in Liaquatabad describing the shaking as particularly intense.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain calm and follow standard safety precautions in case of aftershocks.
