Geologist claims he predicted Karachi earthquakes four days in advance

Shahbaz Laghari defends his position going as far as saying, “If my system is proven wrong, hang me”

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KARACHI:

A Pakistani geologist says he predicted the Karachi earthquakes well before they occurred.

Shahbaz Laghari, CEO of the Earthquake News & Research Centre, has claimed that his team had predicted the recent tremors in Karachi four days in advance, a forecast he says is supported by prior documented evidence.

While speaking at a news conference at the National Press Club in Islamabad on Tuesday, Laghari insisted that his earthquake warnings are grounded in scientific research.

He further claimed that the proprietary system developed by his centre can issue early warnings up to 128 hours (more than five days) before an earthquake occurs.

The geologist further revealed that countries like the UK, Canada, and Bangladesh have invited him to collaborate, recognising the potential of his early-warning technology.

He also claimed that his team correctly predicted a series of earthquakes in Greece, and that the Greek government took precautionary measures based on their alerts.

However, Laghari expressed frustration over the criticism he faces in Pakistan, saying that some local officials discourage him from issuing early warnings, fearing they may cause public panic. During the press conference, a TV clip of government seismology officer Ameer Haider was played, in which the official advised against creating fear through early alerts.

Laghari defended his position, going as far as saying, “If my system is proven wrong, hang me.”

He made a direct appeal to the president, prime minister, and Punjab CM, urging them to recognise his research before the country loses out on an international breakthrough. “This might be my last press conference,” he warned.

He claimed that he has received job offers from abroad, but his ultimate goal is to serve Pakistan. He expressed confidence in his ability to develop world-class instruments and software that could bring global recognition to the country.

Laghari also turned his attention to recent seismic activity in Karachi, questioning why the small tremors being felt across the city are being ignored.

“These tremors will occur five to ten more times,” he warned, adding that the nights of Friday and Saturday are particularly critical and the Sindh government should warn the public in advance.

Recalling a recent incident, he said that the collapse of the Malir Jail wall was the result of a 10-kilometre-deep earthquake.

“Had the tremor originated from a depth of seven or eight kilometres, the entire prison could have been destroyed,” he said. “Our research shows that a series of small tremors often signals a major earthquake is on its way,” he added.