ISLAMABAD: An earthquake measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale struck parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Wednesday, triggering panic among residents in several areas.

According to the seismological centre, the quake originated in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan and was recorded at a depth of 114 kilometres.

Tremors were felt in major cities including Peshawar, Rawalpindi and Swabi and their surrounding localities. Shocks were also reported in Bajaur and Diamer.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or property damage.

The latest tremor comes just days after another 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. On February 20, the seismological centre reported a similar quake with its epicentre again located in the Hindu Kush region at a depth of 73 kilometres, with tremors felt across several cities, including Peshawar and Islamabad.

Pakistan’s vulnerability to earthquakes is largely due to its location along the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, placing it among the most seismically active regions in the world.

The country has experienced several devastating earthquakes in recent decades. The 2005 earthquake in Azad Kashmir claimed more than 73,000 lives and left millions homeless. In 2021, a quake in Harnai killed at least 20 people and hampered rescue efforts due to landslides.

Experts warn that the rugged terrain of Pakistan’s quake-prone areas complicates relief operations, making preparedness and timely response critical. The recent tremors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab serve as a reminder of the persistent seismic threat facing the region.