KARACHI: A 5.2-magnitude earthquake was felt in Karachi and parts of Balochistan in the small hours of Tuesday, causing panic among residents. No casualties were immediately reported.

According to the Met office, little before 1am, tremors were felt in many parts of the city.

It said that the earthquake measured 5.2 on the Richter scale and had a depth of 12 kilometres, with its epicentre located approximately 87km northwest of Karachi. “The shallow depth intensified the shaking, making it widely felt across the city and nearby regions,” said a Met official.

Tremors were also felt in parts of Balochistan, including Hub, Winder and Gadani, where residents reported brief, but noticeable shaking. However, no immediate reports of damage or injuries were received from those areas.

Residents evacuated after cracks in Lyari building

In Karachi, residents in several areas reported strong jolts, prompting people to rush out of their homes, workplaces and commercial buildings as a precautionary measure. In many neighbourhoods, fear and confusion prevailed for several minutes following the quake.

Rescue officials said cracks appeared in a residential building named Baba Arcade located in Nayaabad, Liaquat Colony of Lyari. According to Edhi Foundation officials, the cracks emerged immediately after the earthquake, raising safety concerns among the residents.

“As a precaution, people living in the building evacuated their apartments and gathered in open spaces nearby to avoid potential risk,” said an Edhi Foundation spokesman.

Published in Dawn, December 17th, 2025