The district administration reported no loss of life or property following the earthquake.

QUETTA: A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck Balochistan’s Khuzdar district and surrounding areas of Kalat and Surab on Saturday morning, prompting residents to leave their homes and gather in open spaces.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the earthquake occurred at a depth of 25 kilometres, with its epicentre located 48 kilometres northwest of Khuzdar.

The tremors were felt across the affected areas, causing concern among residents, many of whom moved outdoors as a precaution.

No Casualties Reported After Khuzdar Earthquake

The district administration reported no loss of life or property following the earthquake.

Officials said all relevant departments were on alert and the situation was being closely monitored. The administration also urged residents to rely on information from official sources and avoid spreading unverified reports.

Previous Earthquakes Reported Across Pakistan

Balochistan and other parts of Pakistan have experienced several earthquakes in recent months.

In August, a 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck Dalbandin in Balochistan at a depth of 35 kilometres. Its epicentre was located approximately 100 kilometres southwest of the town.

That same month, a 5.4-magnitude earthquake originating in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region was felt in Islamabad, Peshawar and other parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 187 kilometres.

In July, a 5.3-magnitude earthquake originating in Afghanistan jolted Islamabad, Rawalpindi and several areas of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, Mardan and Buner.

Earlier, in June, three people were injured after earthquake tremors struck Balochistan’s Barkhan district and adjoining areas, triggering fear among residents.

In May, a series of mild to moderate earthquakes were also reported in Islamabad, Khuzdar and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. No casualties or damage were reported in those incidents.

Why Earthquakes Frequently Occur in Pakistan

Pakistan is located near the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making several parts of the country vulnerable to seismic activity.

The Indian plate moves northward towards and beneath the Eurasian plate, generating pressure and friction in the Earth’s crust. This geological activity can trigger earthquakes of varying magnitudes.

The Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan is another significant source of earthquakes affecting Pakistan, including areas far from the epicentre.

The impact of an earthquake at the surface depends on several factors, including its magnitude, depth, distance from populated areas and local ground conditions. Shallow earthquakes can produce stronger shaking near their epicentres, although deeper earthquakes may be felt across wider areas.

Authorities continue to monitor seismic activity and advise residents in affected areas to follow official safety guidance.