KARACHI: Several parts of the city experienced a mild earthquake on Friday evening, measuring 2.9 on the Richter scale, causing brief panic among residents despite the low intensity of the tremors.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the earthquake struck at 6pm. The Met Office said the quake originated at a depth of 10 kilometres with its epicentre located in Karachi. No casualties or damage were immediately reported.

The tremors were felt in Landhi, Korangi, Bin Qasim, Shah Latif Town and several other eastern neighbourhoods of the city.

Although the shaking was nominal and lasted only a few seconds, many residents stepped out of their homes and workplaces as a precaution.

“I was arranging goods on the shelves when I suddenly felt the floor shake slightly. It was not a strong tremor but everyone in the market rushed outside for a few minutes,” said Abdul Basit, a shopkeeper in Landhi.

A motorcycle rider in Korangi, Sajid Ali, said he initially thought a heavy vehicle was passing nearby. Then, he said, he saw people coming out of nearby buildings, making him realised that it was an earthquake.

Housewife Nazia Bibi Hussain in Shah Latif Town said the tremors frightened her children. “The windows rattled a little, and my children became scared. We immediately went outside until everything was calm,” she said.

The Met officials said the tremors were of low intensity and posed no significant threat.

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2026