A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck several parts of Pakistan on Saturday morning, triggering panic among residents in major cities, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Peshawar, and various regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab.

The tremors, recorded at 11:47 am, marked the third seismic event in a week. According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC), the earthquake’s epicentre was located near the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border region, at a depth of 94 kilometres.

The coordinates were recorded at latitude 36.21°N and longitude 71.34°E. In KP, strong tremors were felt across Lower Dir, Malakand, Bajaur, Nowshera, Upper Dir, Shabqadar, Mohmand, Chitral, Swat, Swabi, Mardan and Mansehra. The tremors were also felt in Gilgit.

In Punjab, tremors were reported in Chiniot, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin and Bhalwal. The Neelum Valley’s Athmuqam area in Azad Jammu and Kashmir also experienced seismic activity.

Panic-stricken residents rushed out of homes and workplaces as buildings swayed, though no immediate reports of casualties or major damage were received.

Just after the earthquake occurred, authorities advised the public to remain cautious and follow safety protocols in the event of aftershocks. However, no aftershocks were reported from any area struck by the earthquake.