A 5.8-magnitude earthquake on Monday rattled Islamabad, with tremors also felt in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Swat and Gilgit-Baltistan’s Hunza, causing momentary panic among residents. The Pakistan Meteorological Department’s National Seismic Monitoring Centre reported that the quake originated at a depth of 10 kilometres, with its epicentre in Balochistan’s Sonmiani.
Read More: Earthquake rattles Islamabad, several Punjab cities
Data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a magnitude of 5.9 and a depth of 35 kilometres, placing the epicentre about 50 kilometres north-northwest of Barishal. Despite the intensity, there were no immediate reports of casualties or major structural damage. Residents in the affected regions reported feeling strong tremors, prompting temporary evacuations and safety measures.
BREAKING NEWS: Strong tremors were felt across several parts of Pakistan, including Peshawar, Gilgit-Baltistan, and other northern regions, causing panic among residents. Reports confirmed that areas such as Gilgit, Ghizer, Hunza, and Nagar also experienced the earthquake shocks.… pic.twitter.com/M9gIdF0jeH
— SAMAA TV (@SAMAATV) January 19, 2026
This earthquake comes just weeks after a 5.2-magnitude tremor struck parts of Karachi on December 16, 2025, causing widespread alarm. Pakistan is located along the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it prone to frequent seismic activity. The region has a history of devastating earthquakes, including the 7.6-magnitude quake in 2005 that killed more than 73,000 people and left 3.5 million homeless, mainly in Azad Kashmir.
Read More: 5.2 earthquake rattles KP districts, no damage reported
Past tremors in Balochistan, such as the 2021 quake in Harnai, have highlighted the challenges of rescue operations in mountainous terrain, where landslides often impede relief efforts. Authorities continue to monitor seismic activity and advise residents in vulnerable areas to stay alert. Emergency response teams have been placed on standby to respond to any potential aftershocks or localized incidents resulting from the quake.