ISLAMABAD, Feb 21, 2026 — A 4.5-magnitude earthquake struck parts of northern Pakistan on Saturday, sending tremors across Islamabad and Rawalpindi and causing panic among residents in surrounding districts.
According to the United States Geological Survey, the quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres, with its epicentre located north of Mardan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Tremors were also felt in Swabi, Haripur and Khanpur. Residents reported that homes and office buildings swayed briefly, prompting many people to step outside as a precautionary measure. No immediate reports of casualties or significant damage were received.
Seismologists noted that moderate earthquakes are common in northern Pakistan due to ongoing tectonic activity associated with the Himalayan belt. They advised citizens to remain calm during such events and to follow basic safety measures.
The latest tremor comes a day after a 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck parts of KP, with its epicentre in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department. In Shangla, tremors were felt at the time of Iftar, causing residents to rush out of their homes. No casualties or property losses were reported.
Earlier this week, a 5.6-magnitude earthquake was recorded 86 kilometres northeast of Khuzdar in Balochistan. Last month, separate quakes measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale jolted several parts of the country, including Gilgit-Baltistan, Peshawar and Islamabad.
Pakistan lies in a seismically active zone due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making earthquakes a recurring phenomenon in many regions of the country. Authorities have urged the public to stay informed through official channels and observe recommended safety precautions during aftershocks.
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