The quake was 4.4 magnitude, with the epicentre 25 kilometres south-southwest of Lahore, with coordinates 31.33°N and 74.23°E, and a depth of 14 km, reported the NSMC.

The quake was experienced in Lahore, Sheikhupura, Okara, Kasur, and other towns. The residents came out of their homes and offices anticipating aftershocks, even though the ground rolled for just a few seconds.

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Officials at the Pakistan Meteorological Department confirmed the quake, and rescue and emergency teams stood by as a precautionary measure.

Why do earthquakes occur?

According to seismologists, earthquakes are caused by unexpected movements of tectonic plates in the Earth s crust.

Pakistan sits near the edge of the Indian and Eurasian plates, which makes it highly vulnerable to seismic activity.

Previously, earthquake hit Karachi many times in one week, creating panic in the city.