ISLAMABAD: Strong tremors were felt across the federal capital, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, triggering panic among residents.

Frightened citizens rushed out of their homes, reciting the Kalma Tayyaba, as buildings shook due to the intensity of the quake.

According to the Pakistan Seismic Monitoring Center, the earthquake registered a magnitude of 5.4 on the Richter scale, with a depth of 122 kilometers.

The epicenter was located in the Hindu Kush region, approximately 102 kilometers from Bajaur. Tremors were also felt in neighboring countries, including Afghanistan and Tajikistan.

The jolts were experienced in major cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Mardan, and Swat, as well as in other areas such as Haripur, Abbottabad, and Charsadda.

It was reported that heavy rain was falling in Islamabad at the time of the earthquake. While the tremors caused widespread fear, emergency operation centers have not received any immediate reports of casualties or property damage.