A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck northern Pakistan on Tuesday, sending tremors through the capital Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and vast swathes of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, Mansehra, Swat, and Chitral. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) confirmed that the quake occurred at 10:20 AM, with its epicenter located in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region at a significant depth of 190 kilometers. Fortunately, no loss of life or property has been reported.
This seismic event is not an isolated incident but part of an ongoing pattern of tectonic activity in the region. It follows a 5.5-magnitude earthquake that struck northern Pakistan in the first week of August, which also originated from the Hindu Kush. The area has experienced a series of similar tremors throughout the year, including notable quakes in April, May, and June, all with deep epicenters in the same mountain range.
The high frequency of earthquakes in northern Pakistan is attributed to the country’s geological position. It sits directly on the major fault line where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide. This constant geological pressure makes the region, particularly the north, highly susceptible to seismic activity originating from the Hindu Kush.
While the north deals with deep-focus quakes, the southern metropolis of Karachi has experienced its own unusual seismic activity this year, with over 30 mild tremors reported in a short span. Experts have linked this activity to movements along the long-dormant Landhi Fault Line, highlighting the diverse seismic challenges faced by different parts of the country.
