A magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck parts of Pakistan on Saturday, causing tremors that were felt across several areas, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).
The earthquake occurred at a depth of 35 kilometres (22 miles), the EMSC said in its preliminary assessment. There were no immediate reports of deaths, injuries or significant property damage.
Residents in several cities reported feeling the shaking, with many leaving homes, offices and commercial buildings as a precaution. Authorities began monitoring the situation shortly after the tremor, while emergency response agencies remained on alert in case of aftershocks or reports of damage from remote areas.
Pakistan’s disaster management authorities said they were gathering information from provincial administrations and local emergency services to determine whether any communities had been affected. Initial assessments indicated that the earthquake caused panic among residents but did not result in major incidents.
Pakistan lies along the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries. Seismic activity is common, particularly in the northern and western regions, where several fault lines intersect.
The country has experienced a number of destructive earthquakes over the past two decades. The devastating 2005 earthquake in northern Pakistan killed more than 70,000 people and injured tens of thousands, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in the nation’s history. More recent earthquakes have also caused localized damage and prompted temporary evacuations in affected areas.
Seismologists note that earthquakes of moderate magnitude, such as Saturday’s event, can be widely felt depending on their depth and proximity to populated areas. A depth of 35 kilometres is considered relatively shallow, which can increase the intensity of ground shaking near the epicentre.
Authorities urged the public to remain calm and follow official safety guidelines in the event of aftershocks. Emergency officials also advised residents to inspect buildings for visible structural damage before re-entering if they had evacuated during the tremor.
The EMSC said its measurements were based on preliminary seismic data, which may be updated as additional information becomes available.
Emergency services continue to monitor the situation, while disaster management agencies remain prepared to respond if further seismic activity occurs. As of Saturday, officials said there were no confirmed reports of casualties, injuries or significant infrastructure damage linked to the earthquake.
