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ISLAMABAD — A 4.4-magnitude earthquake rattled Islamabad and surrounding areas, including Attock and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Swabi district, on Saturday, according to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre .
Tremor Details
The epicenter of the quake was located at a depth of 14 kilometers, approximately 11 kilometers northeast of the Burhan area in Attock . No loss of life or damage to property has been reported so far .
Second Tremor in 24 Hours
Saturday’s quake marks the second tremor to hit the region in 24 hours. On Friday evening, a stronger 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, with tremors felt in several cities including Peshawar and Islamabad .
Friday’s earthquake had its epicenter in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region at a depth of 73 kilometers, the seismological center said .
Pakistan’s Seismic Vulnerability
Pakistan’s susceptibility to earthquakes stems from its location along the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The country has experienced multiple devastating quakes in recent decades, including:
- 2005: A 7.6-magnitude earthquake in Azad Kashmir killed over 73,000 people and left millions homeless
- 1935: The Quetta earthquake claimed approximately 30,000 lives
- 2021: A quake in Balochistan’s Harnai killed at least 20 people, with landslides hampering rescue operations
Recent Seismic Activity
Pakistan has experienced several earthquakes in recent months:
- January 19, 2025: A 5.8-magnitude earthquake rattled Islamabad, Swat, and Hunza
- December 2025: A 5.2-magnitude quake struck parts of Karachi and Balochistan
- Same day: A 3.2-magnitude earthquake hit Balochistan’s Sibi city
Experts warn that Pakistan’s rugged terrain and earthquake-prone areas complicate relief efforts, making preparedness critical. Balochistan province, which largely sits along a seismic hotspot where the Indian plate pushes against the Eurasian plate, remains particularly vulnerable, with its sparse population making rescue operations especially difficult .
The recent tremors serve as a reminder of the ongoing seismic threat in the region .
