Swaying Grounds: Pakistan's Seismic Blues

A 4.6 magnitude earthquake hit Punjab, Pakistan, near a major faultline. This marks the third such tremor in three days, generating social media buzz about nuclear testing. National Center for Seismology Director O P Mishra debunked speculation, attributing the tremors to natural seismic activity and faultline movement.

A 4.6 magnitude earthquake shook Pakistan's Punjab province on Monday, with the epicenter located near a major faultline, as confirmed by the National Center for Seismology (NCS). The earthquake, occurring at 1:26 pm IST near Pir Jongal, follows two recent quakes in Pakistan. The series of temblors over three days has fueled speculation on social media about unusual activities in the nation, which is currently experiencing tensions with India.

NCS Director O P Mishra indicated that the epicenter was close to the Main Central Thrust, an area known for seismic activity. Despite the speculation, Mishra debunked rumors suggesting the quakes might be linked to nuclear tests. He clarified that earthquakes and nuclear explosions present distinct signatures on seismographs.

According to veteran seismologist A K Shukla, the scattered locations of the quakes further dispel the nuclear test theory. Pakistan, situated along the active boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, is inherently prone to frequent seismic activity, especially in regions like Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

(With inputs from agencies.)