Earthquake Strikes Northern Pakistan, Triggering Panic

On Saturday afternoon, powerful earthquake tremors shook multiple cities and districts in northern Pakistan, causing widespread alarm. Residents hurriedly evacuated homes and workplaces, though no casualties or significant damage have been reported yet.

The Seismological Center confirmed that the quake impacted several areas, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and parts of Islamabad. Strong tremors were reported in Chitral, Upper Dir, Swat, Nowshera, Malakand, Mardan, Mansehra, Battagram, and Torghar. Nearby regions such as Charsadda also experienced the shocks, while Gilgit and surrounding areas felt intense shaking.

In Islamabad, many people left buildings as a precautionary measure. Emergency teams and local authorities remain on high alert, with assessment crews deployed to affected zones. Experts advise residents to stay calm but vigilant due to ongoing seismic activity in the region.

ISLAMABAD – In a special ceremony held in the federal capital, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif unveiled a significant reduction in electricity prices as part of the government’s relief measures.

Domestic consumers will now benefit from a decrease of Rs7.41 per unit, while industrial users will see a Rs7.59 per unit reduction. This initiative aims to alleviate financial strain on households and boost industrial activity amid current economic challenges.

The move is anticipated to ease the burden of high electricity bills, particularly during the summer season, while also aiding industries grappling with escalating operational expenses. Officials stressed that the revised tariffs would improve access to essential services and strengthen economic stability.

The event, which introduced the new electricity subsidy package, was attended by senior ministers and political leaders. It began with a Quranic recitation and a Naat Sharif, marking a respectful commencement to the proceedings.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to public welfare, stating that the price cut was a vital measure to counter rising living costs. He assured citizens that the government remains focused on policies that enhance affordability and economic resilience.

Other leaders present at the ceremony also voiced their support for the initiative, pledging to work toward improving Pakistan’s economic outlook.

This decision reflects the government’s broader strategy to tackle energy affordability issues and deliver prompt relief to consumers facing steep utility expenses.

A suicide bomber detonated an explosive device targeting protestors associated with the Balochistan National Party (BNP) in Mastung on Saturday at noon.

BNP members attending the protest were in the process of screening other individuals for the protest when the bomber initiated the security check. Witnesses reported numerous injuries, but those details cannot be verified. The police cordoned the area and are conducting an investigation.

The security measures BYC implemented were meant to calm the situation in the area of conflict. These measures were met with resistance in the form of protests which aimed to subdue the BYC actions ordered on the BNP. These protests were peaceful until the tragic incident.

With no proof indicating the existence of militant organizations, it will be easy to draft an association with the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) that will serve as a benchmark for future attempts to relate the enduring chaos in the area to a singular identifiable reason; however, it is not likely this association will end the turbulence.