A moderate earthquake measuring 5.2 struck parts of Karachi and Balochistan late on Monday night, triggering panic among residents, though no casualties or damage were reported.
According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC) of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the quake originated near Sonmiani in southeastern Balochistan. The tremor occurred at a depth of 12 kilometres and was centred approximately 87 kilometres from Karachi.
Sonmiani is a coastal area, and the earthquake was felt across several nearby regions. In Balochistan, residents in Hub, Vinder and Gadani reported noticeable tremors, while parts of Karachi also experienced mild shaking, prompting people to step outside their homes as a precaution.
Earlier on Monday, another earthquake measuring 3.2 jolted Sibi and surrounding areas in Balochistan. The PMD said the epicentre was located around 53 kilometres from the city. Authorities confirmed that the tremors caused no damage or injuries.
Balochistan has witnessed a series of minor seismic activities in recent weeks. On December 3, light tremors were felt in Khuzdar and Sibi districts. Khuzdar experienced a 3.3-magnitude quake at a depth of 15 kilometres, while Sibi recorded a 4.0-magnitude tremor at a depth of 10 kilometres.
Similarly, on November 26, a 3.1-magnitude earthquake struck Sibi, with its epicentre located about 60 kilometres northeast of the city. The tremors were brief and caused no reported damage.
Earlier in November, parts of the province also experienced moderate seismic activity. On November 8, tremors measuring 5.0 were reported in Ziarat and nearby areas, with the epicentre located 67 kilometres northeast of Quetta.
Ziarat remains one of the most earthquake-affected regions in the country. In 2008, a devastating earthquake struck the area, killing more than 200 people and injuring around 500. Entire villages were destroyed, hundreds of homes and public buildings collapsed, and more than 15,000 residents were displaced. Most of the fatalities were reported among women and children.
Pakistan lies in a seismically active region, where the Indian tectonic plate continues to collide with the Eurasian plate. Balochistan, the country’s largest province by area, sits along a major seismic fault line, making it particularly vulnerable to earthquakes.
Despite its vast size, Balochistan remains sparsely populated, which often complicates rescue and relief efforts during natural disasters. Authorities continue to monitor seismic activity closely and have urged residents to remain calm while following safety guidelines.
