A powerful earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale shook Pakistan on Friday, with tremors felt in Lahore, Islamabad, and several other major cities.
According to reports, the earthquake was felt in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, Punjab, and the federal capital, Islamabad. The epicenter was located in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan, at a depth of 190 kilometers. Residents reportedly rushed out of their homes, reciting the Kalma, as a precaution.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department confirmed that the earthquake struck at 9:13pm local time. Director of the Seismic Center, Najeeb Ahmed, warned that aftershocks might follow and some infrastructure could have been damaged. The tremors were particularly felt in parts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In Chitral, the earthquake triggered landslides and the crashing of walls was heard. Rescue agencies have been placed on high alert. In Malakand, reports of collapsed walls and minor structural damage have emerged.
Authorities in Bannu confirmed that, so far, no emergency calls regarding damage have been received.
Other cities and areas where tremors were felt include Murree, Jhelum, Vehari, Kamoke, Narowal, Gujrat, Sialkot, Sharaqpur Sharif, Phoolnagar, Phalia, Hazro, Chhachh, Gojra, Shahpur Saddar, Peshawar, Mardan, Hangu, Buner, Swabi, Jamrud, Kohat, Shakargarh, Bannu, and surrounding areas.
