ISLAMABAD was recently jolted by a strong earthquake. The residents who were fast asleep woke up and rushed out into the open. The earthquake measured 5.5 on the Richter scale and its epicentre was located some 20km north-east of the city centre.

The magnitude of 5.5 is categorised as medium. Many times, earthquakes of this magnitude and above have hit the city in the past. Since this time the epicentre was located in the close vicinity of the city, the impact was terrifying; more so because it was night.

People felt it like recurrence of the one that had hit on Oct 8, 2005, with epicentre near Muzaffarabad in Kashmir.

The second most beautiful capital of the world lies on a fault-line. As such, earthquakes in the area are a normal phenomenon. However, Islamabad residents would like to know how the city administration and the disaster management cell of the federal government would deal in case some catastrophic situation does arise.

The original master plan of the city prohibits construction of high-rise buildings and skyscrapers because the city falls in the earthquake zone.

Yet, the violation of the plan has been continuing unabated over the recent years. The construction of such buildings is not only inviting troubles, but also destroying the natural beauty of the capital city.

A citizen

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, August 3rd, 2015

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