A powerful earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale jolted parts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Northwestern tribal region of the country on Thursday. According to reports, the tremors shook the areas for 30 seconds, spreading panic among the people. Residents came out of their houses, reciting verses from the holy Quran. However, no loss of life and property was reported. Chief Meteorologist Muhammad Riaz said the quake was centered in the Hindu Kush region, about 357 kilometres from Islamabad.
