KARACHI/QUETTA: Sev­eral towns were shaken on Friday after a moderate earthquake struck the northern Kirthar range along the inter-provincial border, triggering several aftershocks but causing no reported casualties or major damage.

Data released by the National Seismic Monitoring Centre, a unit of the Pakistan Meteorological Department, showed an initial 3.8-magnitude tremor at 10:52am, followed by a stronger 5.6-magnitude quake at 11:30am. The main shock occurred at a depth of about 13km, with its epicentre near the Sindh-Balochistan border, northwest of Shahdadkot. At least three aftershocks, ranging between 3.4 and 4.3 in magnitude, were recorded.

The tremors were felt in several districts of central and northern Balochistan, including Khuzdar, Nasir-a­bad, Jhal Magsi, Sibi, Dera Bugti and surrounding areas, prompting residents to rush outdoors.

Local administrations said survey teams found no major damage or loss of life, though minor cracks were reported in some mud houses.

The US Geological Survey measured the quake at 5.5 magnitude, while the Seismological Centre in Islamabad reported varying intensities in different locations.

Chief Meteorologist Ameer Hyder Laghari said the aftershocks were generated by the main quake, describing it as the strongest reported in Sindh and Balochistan in recent months.

He noted that the seismic activity occurred along the Indian-Eurasian plate boundary and termed the recent increase in tremors in the region “unusual”, warning that further low-intensity aftershocks were possible.

Published in Dawn, February 14th, 2026