The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported that a 5.4 magnitude earthquake struck the federal capital Islamabad and several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Monday, June 22, 2026, causing widespread panic among residents. The tremors, which originated in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan, were felt across northern Pakistan, prompting people to evacuate buildings and gather in open spaces while reciting verses from the Quran.
Affected Areas and Immediate Response
According to the PMD, the earthquake's epicenter was located in the Hindu Kush region, Afghanistan, at a depth of approximately 200 kilometers. Tremors were felt in multiple cities and towns, including Peshawar, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Swabi, Haripur, Charsadda, Mardan, and Malakand. In Islamabad, residents rushed out of homes and offices as the ground shook for several seconds. No immediate casualties or infrastructural damages have been reported from any of the affected areas, authorities confirmed.
Seismic Activity in the Region
Pakistan is situated on the Indian tectonic plate, which collides with the Eurasian plate, making it prone to earthquakes. The Hindu Kush region is a known seismic hotspot, frequently generating tremors felt across South Asia. The PMD has urged citizens to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols during aftershocks, though no significant aftershocks have been recorded as of the latest update.
Public Reaction and Safety Measures
The tremors triggered panic, with many residents in Peshawar and Islamabad recalling the devastating 2005 earthquake that killed over 73,000 people in Pakistan. “We felt the building sway and immediately ran outside. It was terrifying,” said a resident of Islamabad quoted by local media. The PMD has advised people to avoid using elevators and to stay away from unstable structures during seismic events. Emergency services have been placed on high alert, and officials are monitoring the situation for any delayed reports of damage.
