ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department reported a magnitude 5.3 earthquake in northern Pakistan on Friday morning, with tremors felt across several regions.
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According to the PMD, the earthquake occurred at 9:53 a.m., with coordinates of 36.71° north latitude and 74.44° east longitude. The epicentre was located in northwestern Kashmir, approximately 84 kilometres northeast of Gilgit, at a shallow depth of 12 kilometres.
Tremors were reported in Gilgit, Skardu, Pattan, Balakot, and surrounding areas, according to the PMD. No immediate reports of casualties or structural damage have been confirmed, and authorities continue to monitor the situation.
Pakistan lies at the intersection of three major tectonic plates — the Arabian, Euro-Asian, and Indian — creating five seismic zones across the country. The convergence of multiple fault lines makes the region prone to frequent earthquakes.
Recent months have seen increased seismic activity in northern and northwestern Pakistan. A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck Islamabad and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in late February, while earlier in the same month, a 4.5-magnitude quake jolted northern areas following a 5.9-magnitude tremor in KP.
Read More: 5.9-magnitude quake shakes parts of KP
Authorities have advised residents in affected areas to remain cautious, avoid unstable structures, and follow official guidance for earthquake preparedness. The PMD continues to issue updates to ensure public safety in the wake of ongoing seismic activity.