A 5.0 magnitude earthquake occurred in Pakistan on Saturday, with seismic data indicating a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. This shallow origin suggests a heightened possibility of follow-up tremors.
The earthquake’s coordinates were noted as latitude 31.19 N and longitude 71.04 E. Seismological studies consistently show that shallow earthquakes pose a greater immediate threat. The reduced travel distance for seismic waves means stronger shaking at the surface, which can have devastating consequences for structures and human safety.
Pakistan’s seismic vulnerability is a well-established fact, driven by its position on active tectonic boundaries. The country is traversed by numerous significant fault lines, a direct result of the powerful forces generated by colliding continental plates. Provinces such as Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan are located on the Eurasian plate’s southern margin, while Sindh and Punjab sit on the Indian plate’s northwestern margin, making seismic activity a recurring phenomenon.
Balochistan, being near the active boundary between the Arabian and Eurasian plates, is particularly susceptible. Punjab, on the Indian plate, also faces considerable seismic risk. Sindh, although generally less affected, remains within a seismically active zone. The region’s seismic history is marked by the catastrophic 1945 Balochistan earthquake, which registered a powerful 8.1 magnitude, serving as a critical reminder of the seismic dangers Pakistan faces.