The Embassy of Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) hosted a grand reception today to commemorate Pakistan's National Day, attended by members of the diplomatic corps, senior UAE government officials, Emirati nationals, and the Pakistani community. His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, alongside Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh. The event featured traditional performances, including the national anthems of Pakistan and the UAE played on traditional instruments. The Pakistani flag was prominently displayed on the hotel building, visible across Abu Dhabi, symbolizing the strong ties between the two nations . In his address, Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi reflected on the significance of the Pakistan Resolution and the challenges faced by the nascent state in its journey toward socio-economic development. He highlighted various opportuni...
The residents of Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, received a scare yesterday when tremors from an earthquake were felt across many neighborhoods. According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre, the earthquake registered as a 3.2 on the Richter scale and struck in the afternoon.
The epicenter was located about 15km northeast of the city, at a depth of around 22km below ground. While earthquakes at this magnitude typically do little structural damage, it was enough to shake up buildings and unsettle people going about their daily activities.
In communities like Defense, Clifton and others nearby the epicenter, people reported feeling a long but gentle rolling sensation. Photos and videos shared on social media showed things swaying on shelves and lights flickering briefly. Others outdoors said they spotted trees and electric lines swaying more than usual in the windless afternoon weather.
Naturally, the earthquake triggered fear and panic among many residents. As the tremors were felt, people began pouring out of their high-rise homes and offices in a rush, especially those on higher floors who felt more intense shaking. Out in the streets, recitations of verses from the Quran could be heard as people sought calming relief from the unsettling event.
Thankfully, no casualties or property damage have been reported so far from this earthquake. However, it served as a frightening reminder of the geological hazards faced by this coastal megacity. While much smaller quakes are not uncommon, a larger one directly hitting the city of over 20 million would likely have devastating consequences. The seismic activity was a good example of the kind of emergencies that could easily arise without warning.
As the anxious crowds dispersed and normalcy returned to the streets of Karachi by evening, many residents were left unnerved by the day's unscheduled shuddering of the earth below their feet. It will take more than just the passage of a few calm hours to fully shake off the feelings of vulnerability brought on by this natural but unsettling phenomenon.
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