ISLAMABAD (Agencies): A recent forecast predicting a potential earthquake in Pakistan has stirred public concern, as Shahbaz Leghari, head of the private earthquake forecasting firm Earthquake Prediction and Quake News (EQQN), warned of a 5.4 magnitude tremor expected to impact northern and southern regions of the country in the coming week. The tremors are also anticipated to affect parts of Afghanistan, according to the report published by the Associated Press of Pakistan Corporation (APPC).
Leghari’s prediction has gained traction on social media and in public discourse, especially in light of Pakistan’s vulnerability to seismic activity due to its geographical positioning on tectonic plate boundaries. However, experts and seismologists are urging the public to approach such claims with caution.
Mainstream scientific bodies, including global geological institutions, maintain that earthquakes cannot be predicted with precise accuracy. While seismic patterns and zones of heightened risk can be identified, the exact timing, location, and magnitude of earthquakes remain scientifically unforecastable.
The U.S.-based Associated Press (AP) also addressed the topic in a fact-checking report, reinforcing the stance that no credible scientific method currently exists to predict earthquakes in advance.
Despite skepticism from the scientific community, the EQQN warning has reignited conversations around disaster preparedness and public safety. Authorities have not issued any official alerts but encourage citizens to remain informed and prioritize earthquake safety protocols.
In a country with a history of devastating quakes, including the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, experts stress the importance of resilience through infrastructure development, public awareness, and early warning systems—not speculative forecasts.