Earthquake shakes Ziarat and nearby districts, no immediate casualties reported

Ziarat and surrounding areas in Balochistan were rattled by a moderate earthquake early on Saturday, the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s National Seismic Monitoring Centre reported. The tremor measured 5.0 in magnitude, with its epicentre located 67 kilometres northeast of Quetta.

There are no immediate reports of casualties or structural damage, though residents described a frightening start to the day as buildings shook and aftershocks continued into the morning. The quake stirred memories of the devastating 2008 Ziarat earthquake, which killed over 200 people and left hundreds injured, flattening entire villages and forcing thousands to flee their homes.

Balochistan, which sits along a seismic hotspot where the Indian plate presses against the Eurasian plate, has faced repeated tremors over the decades. The province’s sparse population and rugged terrain often make rescue and relief operations challenging. Other districts including Pishin, Bolan, Chaman, and Quetta have also experienced tremors in recent days.

Saturday’s quake follows a string of seismic activity in the region, including a 6.3-magnitude earthquake near Mazar-e-Sharif in northern Afghanistan earlier this month, which killed at least seven people and injured 150. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and have urged residents to remain vigilant as aftershocks are expected.