A moderate earthquake jolted several parts of Balochistan early Sunday morning, triggering panic among residents, though no casualties or property damage were reported.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the tremor at magnitude 5.3 on the Richter scale, noting that it struck at approximately 3:30am (2230 GMT) with a shallow depth of 10 kilometres. The epicentre was located around 60 kilometres north-northeast of Barkhan in the rugged terrain of Balochistan province.
Meanwhile, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) estimated the magnitude at 5.5, while the Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre placed the epicentre 149 kilometres west of Multan.
Pakistan's National Seismic Monitoring Centre reported the quake at a depth of 28 kilometres, with its epicentre located 56 kilometres northeast of Musakhel district. Tremors were felt in Barkhan, Musakhel, and surrounding areas, causing people to rush outdoors in fear.
“There are no immediate reports of damage or injuries,” said a spokesperson for the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). “We remain in touch with local administrations and are closely monitoring the situation.”
Pakistan lies along the collision zone of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it particularly susceptible to seismic activity. Balochistan, with its vast and mountainous geography, often faces logistical challenges in emergency response.
