Residents of Islamabad and several parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa woke up to strong earthquake tremors on Saturday morning. The sudden jolt caused panic among citizens, though no casualties have been reported so far. According to the National Seismological Center, earthquake tremors were felt in Islamabad and its surrounding areas at 7:44am. The intensity of the quake was recorded at 5.5 on the Richter scale.

The tremors created fear among residents, many of whom rushed out of their homes and workplaces as a precaution. Officials confirmed that the earthquake originated from the Hindu Kush mountain range in Afghanistan. The epicenter was located deep underground at a depth of 199 kilometers. Experts say such deep earthquakes are often felt across wider regions, which explains the spread of tremors across multiple cities.

The earthquake was not limited to Islamabad. Strong tremors were also felt in several cities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, shaking large parts of the province. Cities where tremors were reported include Peshawar, Chitral, Swat, Lower Dir, Malakand, Khyber, and Charsadda. Reports of earthquake were also received from Buner, Battagram, Upper Dir, Haripur, and Ghizer.

In addition, areas such as Shangla, Mansehra, Torghar, and other nearby regions also experienced shaking.Residents in Swat and North Waziristan reported feeling earthquake tremors again later, raising concerns among locals already shaken by the initial quake. Despite the widespread impact, authorities have confirmed that no casualties or major damages have been reported so far.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)