Tremors Jolt Twin Cities and Northern Pakistan as 5.3-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Hindu Kush Region

ISLAMABAD – October 22, 2025:
Strong tremors were felt across Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and parts of northern Pakistan late Tuesday night as a 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) confirmed.

The seismic event occurred at 11:15pm local time, with the epicentre located deep in the Hindu Kush mountains, at a depth of 234 kilometers, according to the PMD. The quake was felt in Peshawar, Chitral, Swat, Dir, Malakand, and surrounding areas.

Residents in the capital region reported feeling buildings sway for several seconds, prompting many to evacuate homes and high-rises in panic. However, no casualties or damage were reported immediately following the tremors.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the magnitude slightly lower at 5.1, with the epicentre pinpointed 34km west of Ishkashim in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, at a depth of 243.9km.

In Kabul, Reuters correspondents reported that strong tremors were also felt, causing temporary alarm among residents.

This is the second earthquake in less than a week to rattle the region. On Friday, a 5.6-magnitude quake originating from the same Hindu Kush mountain range struck at a depth of 120km around 5:15pm, sending similar shocks across northern Pakistan.

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The Hindu Kush region is known for frequent seismic activity due to its location near the collision boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. While deep-focus earthquakes like this are less likely to cause surface damage, they are widely felt across large areas due to their depth and intensity.

Authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious and follow standard earthquake safety protocols, particularly in high-rise buildings and densely populated urban zones.