Karachi, May 1, 2025 — A 4.4 magnitude earthquake struck Pakistan late Wednesday night at 21:58:26 IST, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). The tremor, which caused panic among residents but no reported loss of life or property, had its epicentre in the Hindu Kush region at a depth of 50 kilometres. Coordinates provided by NCS placed the epicentre at latitude 31.08°N and longitude 68.84°E.
The seismic activity was confirmed by the NCS in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), which also noted that the earthquake originated within Pakistan’s territory. The incident sent tremors across several parts of the country, with residents seen rushing outdoors in panic. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
This marks the second 4.4 magnitude earthquake to hit the region in less than a week. On Sunday, a similar quake jolted Swat and surrounding areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. That tremor, with its epicentre also located in the Hindu Kush and at a deeper depth of 185 kilometres, similarly caused brief panic but no casualties.
Adding to the concern, a stronger 5.8 magnitude earthquake was reported earlier on April 12, 2025, with a shallow depth of just 10 kilometres, making it more likely to be followed by aftershocks. NCS recorded that event at 13:00:55 IST at coordinates 33.70°N and 72.43°E.
Pakistan lies at the confluence of three major tectonic plates—the Indian, Eurasian, and Arabian—creating five seismic zones across the country. Provinces like Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas sit on the Eurasian plate, while Sindh, Punjab, and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir lie on the Indian plate. This unique geological setup makes the region particularly vulnerable to seismic activity.
Seismologists have expressed concern about the increasing frequency of low-intensity earthquakes in Pakistan, suggesting these may be early indicators of larger and more destructive seismic events in the future. In just the first half of February 2025, the country experienced approximately 20 minor earthquakes, averaging more than one per day.
Experts warn that while these small tremors help release tectonic stress gradually, they also underscore the potential risk of a major earthquake. Historical patterns in the Himalayan seismic belt, which includes parts of Pakistan, show that significant earthquakes tend to occur every 100 years. Notable examples include the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, which claimed over 80,000 lives, and the 2015 tremor that impacted Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging citizens to remain cautious but calm in the face of ongoing seismic activity.