4.2-magnitude earthquake jolts Pakistan’s Faisalabad division, seventh quake this month

A 4.2-magnitude earthquake struck near Jhang Tehsil in Punjab’s Faisalabad division on Tuesday evening, marking the seventh tremor to hit Pakistan in May 2025 alone. According to the National Centre for Seismology, the quake occurred at approximately 7:30 pm local time at a depth of 111 kilometres, with its epicentre located at 31.31°N latitude and 72.52°E longitude.

The tremor, though moderate in intensity, is part of a continuing series of seismic events that have rattled various parts of the country this month, signalling increased tectonic activity in the region.

Spate of Quakes in May

This latest event follows a string of significant quakes in May, including:

• 12 May: A 4.6-magnitude quake at a shallow depth of 10 km
• 10 May: Twin tremors measuring 5.7 and 4.0 magnitudes
• 9 May: A 4.0-magnitude quake near Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
• 5 May: A 4.2-magnitude tremor impacting both Pakistan and Afghanistan
• 16 May: A 4.7-magnitude quake north-northwest of Peshawar
• 24 May: A 4.1-magnitude tremor recorded near Pakistan

These repeated tremors have been felt across diverse regions including Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Gilgit-Baltistan, underscoring the widespread seismic risk.

Experts attribute Pakistan’s frequent earthquakes to its location along the convergent boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The country’s proximity to seismic hotspots like the Hindu Kush mountain range further exacerbates its vulnerability.

Provinces such as Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan lie on the Eurasian Plate’s southern boundary, while Punjab and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir rest on the Indian Plate—making much of the region geologically unstable.

On average, Pakistan experiences around 243 earthquakes of magnitude 4.0 or greater every year within a 300-km radius—roughly one every two days.

As seismic activity continues to rise, authorities urge residents to remain alert and prepared for potential aftershocks and future quakes.