Islamabad Rawalpindi Earthquake Today: 5.1 Magnitude Quake Shakes Twin Cities Again
Islamabad, August 3, 2025 – A 5.1 magnitude earthquake hit Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and nearby regions in the early hours of Saturday, shaking buildings and sending residents into panic. According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the quake occurred at 12:10 AM with a shallow depth of 10 kilometers.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located 15 kilometers southeast of Rawat, near Rawalpindi. As tremors were felt across several areas, many people rushed out of their homes, scared of possible aftershocks.
This was the second earthquake in 24 hours, adding to growing concerns over seismic activity in northern Pakistan.
Epicenter Details of the Islamabad Rawalpindi Earthquake
The Pakistan earthquake today was considered shallow, which usually causes stronger surface shaking. The quake originated near the Rawat Fault, a known active seismic fault in the Pothohar Plateau region. This area lies on the convergent boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it highly earthquake-prone. According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC), the Islamabad Rawalpindi Earthquake had a shallow depth of 10km, making it more intense on the surface.
Just hours before this event, another earthquake in Pakistan today occurred near Farkhar, Afghanistan, with a magnitude of 5.1 and a depth of 122.6 km. That tremor was also widely felt in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Cities Affected by the Earthquake in Pakistan Today
The following cities and districts reported tremors:
- Islamabad
- Rawalpindi
- Murree
- Chakwal
- Talagang
- Kallar Kahar
- Mardan
- Haripur
- Peshawar
- Swat
- Charsadda
- Nowshera
- Karak
- Sheikhupura
- Lahore
- Gujranwala
- Gujrat
- Mirpur (Azad Kashmir)
Social media users quickly posted updates with hashtags like #earthquakeTodayPakistanIslamabad, #RawalpindiEarthquakeToday, and #ZalzalaTodayInPakistan, sharing videos and experiences from different cities.
Public Reaction: “Everyone Ran Outside Reciting Kalima”
In many areas, people were asleep when the tremors began. Within seconds, families ran outside, reciting the Kalima and waiting for the quake to pass. Residents described fans swinging, windows rattling, and furniture moving slightly.
“We felt strong jolts. The whole building seemed to move. We rushed outside,” said a resident from Chakwal.
Despite the panic, no casualties or damage were reported.
Official Response from NDMA
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a statement confirming:
- No loss of life or structural damage
- Aftershock monitoring is ongoing
- Citizens are advised to stay vigilant and calm
- Avoid using elevators during or after any earth quake
Why These Quakes Happen Frequently
Pakistan lies in a seismically active zone, especially areas like Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The earthquake in Islamabad today originated from the Rawat Fault, while the previous tremor came from the Hindu Kush range in Afghanistan, known for deep seismic activity.
Experts say more such earthquakes in Pakistan today and in the near future are possible due to the tectonic collision of regional plates.
Conclusion: Stay Alert, Stay Safe
The Rawalpindi earthquake today was another reminder that seismic risk in Pakistan remains real. Although no major damage occurred, earthquakes today in Pakistan can cause massive panic due to their unpredictable nature. Though the Islamabad Rawalpindi Earthquake did not cause any loss of life, it reminded citizens of the seismic risks in northern Pakistan.
Authorities urge the public to stay informed, follow safety measures, and remain alert for any potential aftershocks.
