Earthquake of 5.3 magnitude jolts Peshawar, parts of KP, Gilgit-Baltistan

A moderate earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale struck Peshawar and several parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, causing panic among residents on Friday at 9:13 p.m

PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Apr, 2026) A moderate earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale struck Peshawar and several parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, causing panic among residents on Friday at 9:13 p.m.

According to Met Office, the earthquake’s epicenter was located in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan at a depth of around 110 kilometers.

Similar seismic activity originating from this region frequently affects northern Pakistan due to its proximity to active tectonic boundaries.

The tremors were felt in multiple districts including Swabi, Swat and Malakand, while reports also confirmed shaking in Bajaur, Chitral and Mansehra.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, jolts were experienced in Ghizer district, particularly in Gahkuch and adjoining areas.

People rushed out of homes, offices and commercial buildings in fear, reciting prayers. However, no immediate reports of casualties or property damage were received from any of the affected areas till filiof this news.

Pakistan lies in a seismically active zone where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, making earthquakes a recurring phenomenon, especially in regions bordering Afghanistan.

APP/adi