Magnitude 5.3 earthquake jolts Islamabad, parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

The epicenter was in the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border region at a depth of 220 km: NSMC

An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.3 on the Richter scale struck Islamabad, Peshawar, and several other districts in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on Wednesday.

The tremors were strongly felt in Peshawar, Swat, Abbottabad, Malakand, and Buner including Islamabad.

The earthquake was also felt in Mohmand, Charsadda, and Attock districts of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.

The epicenter was located in the Afghanistan-Tajikistan Border Region at a depth of 220 km, according to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre in Islamabad.

However, no immediate reports of damage or casualties were received.

The tremors caused panic among residents, who quickly evacuated their homes and offices, reciting prayers as they moved to safety.

Experts have urged residents to stay vigilant and adhere to safety protocols, particularly given the region's history of seismic activity.