Moderate 5.1 magnitude earthquake hits Pakistan

KARACHI: A moderate 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck Pakistan's Balochistan province today with no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

The epicentre of the earthquake was close to the city of Sibi, Balochistan province, at a depth of 71 kilometres.

No loss of life or property was reported, officials said. The US Geological Survey reported that the magnitude of the quake was 4.9.

Last week, a mild quake jolted southern Sindh province, killing one person and injuring more than 30.

Pakistan lies in active seismic zones where frequent earthquakes take place. More than 73,000 people were killed due to a powerful 7.6 quake in the north of the country in 2005.

Last year Balochistan was struck by a 7.7 intensity quake which killed more than 500 people.