A recent report of Earthquakes in Pakistan counted 20 low-intensity earthquakes. However, with the recent shocks, everyone started recalling the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan that killed over 73,000 people. History recounts the 7.6 magnitude 2005 earthquake as the worst earthquake in Pakistan. Roads turned into rubble and homes turned into piles of broken concrete. 

Every new earthquake brings memories of 2005 and shakes up, as people start running for their lives. However, geographic experts suggest that the recent low-intensity seismic activity in Pakistan is actually good as it releases accumulated energy within the plates. Let’s understand Pakistan’s geographic aesthetics and its relation to earthquakes. 

Areas Hit by Earthquake in Pakistan Since 2025

As more than 20 minor earthquakes hit Pakistan during February 2025, the areas on the hit list since January included Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Quetta, Swat, Zhob, Sherani, Sibi, and Kalat. These are the urban centers of different provinces of Pakistan and have been hit by varying intensities ranging from one, two, three, four, and over four intensities on the Richter scale.

Tectonic Positioning & Earthquake in Pakistan

Pakistan’s geographical positioning makes it vulnerable to quakes and aftershocks. Pakistan falls on three tectonic plates: the Arabian, Eurasian, and Indian plates. Further explained by geological engineers, the Sindh and Punjab provinces lie on the Indian Plate. The Eurasian plate holds western Afghanistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while the same plate touches parts of the Indian Plate. Now you can understand Pakistan’s position, as all three plates provide energy and movement to each other. 

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) in Pakistan

The Geology Department and Seismic Monitoring Centre of Pakistan have taken into consideration the upgraded and modern equipment to understand the language and movement of the earth. Thanks to the geological reporting technology, several tremors have been recorded in the last couple of years, even if they were not felt on the ground. Advancing more in geological monitoring, 35 monitoring centers have been installed in Pakistan that can measure tremors between 1.8 to 8.5 intensity.

And thereby, can learn pressure building on the plates as it will help us take early precautions. Therefore, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) will be installed in Pakistan, and 20 observatories will be placed at different places.

Earthquakes in Pakistan Due to 5 Seismic Zones

As different parts of Pakistan sit on different tectonic plates, five seismic zones are created. Due to the multiple fault lines, tectonic plates keep on moving and result in quakes. You would be surprised to know that after the major earthquake of 2005, the mountains were raised high above a few meters, from the surface where earthquakes occurred. Geology experts suggest that seismic activity is the major reason that pushes the rocks up. The minor tremors are bigger blessings as they break the momentum and prevent sudden energy release that might result in a major earthquake in Pakistan. 

Major Earthquakes in the Region

There are major earthquakes in Pakistan that jolted the whole nation and drove the attention of the first-world countries. Some of the devastating quakes include;

• 2005 Earthquake in Pakistan that killed 80,000 people in Pakistan
• 2015 Earthquake in Afghanistan
• 1935 Earthquake in Quetta that killed 30,000 people

People generally perceive that more earthquakes have been happening in recent years. The fact is the tremors have always been the same, however, due to the upgraded seismic monitoring system, more tremors are recorded and reported now and years than before. The Geology Department of Pakistan is focusing on more developments that might help alarm the public although it is hard to predict the exact timings of the earthquake.  Read more interesting blogs at MGC Blog.