Severe earthquake tremors were felt in various cities of the country, including Islamabad and Rawalpindi, late last night, causing panic among residents. The earthquake measured 5.1 on the Richter scale.

According to the Seismological Centre, the earthquake had a depth of 10 kilometres, while its epicenter was located 15 kilometres southeast of Rawat, near Islamabad.

Apart from the twin cities, the tremors were also felt in Attock, Swabi, Zafarwal, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Mansehra, Battagram, Kohistan, Murree, Jhelum and many areas of Azad Kashmir.

The tremors were felt at 12.10am, forcing residents to rush out of their homes in fear, reciting kalima.

So far, no reports of casualties or property damage have been received. However, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of possible aftershocksand advised citizens to take precautionary measures and remain alert.

According to the NDMA, an earthquake is an unpredictable natural disaster and its effects can be felt again at any time.

The agency has appealed to the public not to pay attention to rumours and to seek information from reliable sources.

It should be remembered that a night before, a 5.4 magnitude earthquake had also struck Islamabad and various cities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, spreading fear and panic among the people.