Earthquake Hits KP, Punjab, GB; Origin in Hindukush

ISLAMABAD / PESHAWAR : Several regions across Pakistan experienced tremors on Tuesday night as a moderate earthquake struck parts of Upper Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

According to the National Seismic and Tsunami Monitoring Center, the earthquake measured 5.3 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter located in the Hindukush region of Afghanistan. The quake occurred at a depth of 234 kilometers.

Residents reported tremors in major cities including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and surrounding areas. Other affected locations included Swat, Mardan, Malakand, Hangu, Badgram, Khyber, Dir, and Karam. In GB and AJK, jolts were felt in Chitral, Gilgit, Ghazar, Jaglot, Mirpur, and Rawlakot. Cities such as Murree, Malagori, Landi Kotal, Bara, Jamrud, Taxila, Wah Cantt, Daska, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, and Hassan Abdal also reported seismic activity.

Southern and central Punjab areas like Chakwal, Tala Gang, Kalar Kahar, Chiniot, Jhang, Pindi Bhatian, Lawah, and Choasaidun Shah were also affected. So far, no reports of casualties or damage have been confirmed.

Air Quality Worsens as Cross-Border Smoke Enters Pakistan

In a separate environmental concern, Pakistani cities—especially Lahore—are grappling with rising air pollution levels as smoke from Diwali fireworks in India drifts across the border.

Experts have warned of a sharp increase in smog and fog, particularly in Lahore, which ranked as the second most polluted city in the world on Tuesday. According to a global air quality monitoring source, Lahore recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 268. New Delhi topped the list with an alarming AQI of 821 following Diwali celebrations. Mumbai and Kolkata followed with AQI levels of 172 and 170, respectively.

Meteorological data suggests that easterly winds are pushing smoke-laden air from Indian regions—including Dharamshala, Ludhiana, and Haryana—into Pakistani cities such as Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Burewala, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan. Wind speeds are expected to remain between 3 to 6 km/h.

In response, the Punjab government has intensified anti-smog efforts. Joint teams from the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been deployed for road-cleaning operations and water sprinkling to minimize dust. Anti-smog guns are also active at key hotspots.

A Smog Monitoring and Control Center equipped with real-time air quality monitoring technology has been launched to provide continuous updates.

Authorities have urged the public to take precautionary measures, including wearing face masks and avoiding outdoor activities where possible, especially in areas with poor air quality.

Read More:Earthquake tremors felt across Islamabad, Punjab, and KP

Strong earthquake tremors were felt in several cities across Islamabad, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa today, causing panic amongst residents.

According to the Seismic Monitoring Centre, the earthquake registered a magnitude of 5.3 on the Richter scale, with a depth of 230 kilometres. The epicentre was located in the Hindu Kush mountain region of Afghanistan.