VEHARI, Feb 9: The rumour of earthquake panicked people in Vehari and adjoining areas early Friday thus forcing them to come out of their houses.

Police said a Punjabi TV channel aired news that quake tremors were observed in Pakpattan and its adjoining areas at 11am.

After the news, the people came out of their houses and spent the night in grounds and on roads. Announcement regarding precautionary measurements about the earthquake were made from mosques’ amplifier systems.

The people laughed with frustration when one announcement said earthquake had reached near Vehari.

On Friday, attendance remained thin in schools, colleges and offices.

OKARA: Announcements made by clerics that earthquake would strike the city forcing the people to come out of their houses on Thursday night. City parks and open places were filled with people. At 3.45am, police made announcements and appealed to people to go to their homes as it was just a quake hoax.

SAHIWAL: The city also witnessed chaos after the rumours of quake. Many people spent the night in mosque compounds and begged mercy from the Almighty.