ISLAMABAD: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday sought to calm public fears following a series of low-intensity tremors in Karachi, stating that these small quakes are a “good thing” as they help prevent larger, more destructive earthquakes. Addressing media queries, CM Murad emphasized that the release of seismic energy in small bursts reduces the risk of catastrophic events.
Karachi has recorded 20 minor tremors since Sunday, with the latest one occurring at 11:52 am on Tuesday. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), this tremor registered a magnitude of 2.0 on the Richter scale and had its epicentre 23 kilometers east of Malir. The most intense jolt, measuring 3.6, was reported on Sunday evening. Areas impacted include Malir, DHA, Quaidabad, Gadap Town, Korangi, and DHA City.
Scientific Insight into Karachi’s Seismic Activity
Chief Meteorologist Amir Hyder Laghari confirmed that a previously dormant fault line in Karachi has become active. He explained that the fault is gradually releasing built-up seismic energy, and once fully discharged, the tremors are expected to subside—likely within a week. His views were echoed by CM Murad, who mentioned his own engineering background and supported the theory that these “small releases of energy” are preferable to a single, large-scale quake.
Dr. Imran Ahmed Khan from Karachi University’s Department of Geography attributed the tremors to shifting tectonic plates. He pointed out the constant movement of the Indian tectonic plate, which is colliding with the Eurasian plate, creating pressure that occasionally releases as minor quakes. This geological friction is a common cause of seismic activity in Pakistan, which lies on three major tectonic plates: Arabian, Eurasian, and Indian.
Experts Reassure Public About Earthquake Risk
Dr. Adnan Khan, associate professor of geology at KU, added that Karachi sits on a “passive margin” — an area far from active plate boundaries. As a result, the city is less likely to experience major earthquakes. While minor quakes in the 3.0–4.0 magnitude range may occur periodically, they pose minimal danger.
Pakistan has experienced similar episodes in the past. In February, over 20 minor tremors were recorded within just two weeks, averaging more than one quake per day. Experts suggest that while public concern is understandable, current seismic activity in Karachi is not unusual and does not point toward an imminent major disaster.
