Strong earthquake hits Pakistan

A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck large swathes of Pakistan, including Punjab,Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Northwsestern tribal region on Thursday. According to reports, the tremors shook the areas around 30 seconds, spreading panic among the people. Residents came out of their houses, reciting verses from the holy Quran. Chief Meteorologist Muhammad Riaz told that the quake was recorded 6.1 magnitude on the Richter scale while it was centered in Hindu Kush region about 357 kilometers from Islamabad . TV reports said the tremors were felt in Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sargodah, Dera Ismail Khan, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Mardan, North Waziristan, Swat, Hangu, Battagram, Nowshera an Hazara division. No loss of life and property have been reported from the affected areas so far. The tremors were also felt in parts of Afghanistan, media reports said. According to the met office the quake was centered at Hindu Kush region some 350 milometers north of Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital city.