The National Seismic Monitoring Centre has divided Pakistan into three earthquake risk zones, based on fault line proximity, tsunami threats, and frequency of tremors.
According to experts, more than a dozen cities are located directly on or very close to active fault lines. These high-risk areas include Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and Abbottabad, making them especially vulnerable to strong earthquakes.
The second category includes coastal regions that are prone to tsunamis, such as Karachi, Gwadar, and Ormara. Their location along the Arabian Sea increases the risk of large waves triggered by undersea earthquakes.
The third category consists of areas where tremors are often felt but are located farther from major fault lines. Central Punjab falls into this group, facing a relatively lower risk compared to fault line zones.
Seismologists stress the importance of increasing public awareness, improving construction standards, and strengthening preparedness plans in high-risk areas to reduce the impact of future earthquakes.
