Web Desk: A moderate earthquake shook northwest Pakistan shortly after sunset on Friday, sending residents rushing into the streets in fear, authorities and witnesses said.
The tremors were felt in Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as several surrounding districts. According to the Seismological Centre, the quake measured 5.6 in magnitude and struck at a depth of 73 kilometers. Its epicentre was located in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan.
No immediate reports of casualties or damage were received.
In addition to Peshawar, tremors were reported in Hangu, Kohat, Buner, Shangla, North Waziristan, Bajaur, Swat, Swabi and Upper Dir. Residents in Nowshera and Mardan also said they felt the shaking and quickly moved outdoors.
Meanwhile, in Swat, Lower Dir, Malakand, Chitral, Khyber, Bara, Jamrud, Landi Kotal and Tirah, people poured out of homes and shops as buildings swayed.
The earthquake was also felt in the federal capital, Islamabad and the neighboring garrison city of Rawalpindi. In eastern Punjab province, residents in Sargodha and nearby areas reported mild tremors.
The quake struck at approximately 6:07 p.m., shortly after iftar, the evening meal to break the fast during the holy month of Ramadan. As a result, many people left their iftar meals unfinished and rushed into open spaces.
Witnesses said some residents began reciting prayers and the Kalma as the tremors continued for several seconds. Offices and homes were temporarily evacuated as a precaution.
Although the shaking caused widespread alarm, authorities said there were no immediate reports of loss of life or property damage. Officials added that monitoring was ongoing and urged citizens to remain calm and follow safety guidelines in case of aftershocks.
Pakistan sits along the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates and frequently experiences seismic activity, particularly in mountainous regions bordering Afghanistan.
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