Social media showed houses shaking and light fittings swaying as quake struck, and later stunned residents gathering in the street in the dark.
The injured were rushed to hospital, while some were treated on stretchers in the street under phone torch light.
AMN WEB DESK
At least 20 people were killed and 300 others injured in an earthquake which hit different parts of Balochistan this morning. The earliest tremors were felt at 3:20 am. The quake affected Quetta, Sibi, Harnai, Pishin, Qila Saifullah, Chaman, Ziarat and Zhob in Balochistan. The magnitude of the quake was measured at 5.9 on the Richter scale.
According to the seismological centre, the epicentre was located near Harnai at a depth of 15km. According to official sources, much of the damage appears to have affected the Harnai district. National Disaster Management Authority said on Twitter that rescue and relief operation is underway.
Aftershocks are still being felt in different areas after the quake. The earliest tremors were felt at 3:20am after which panicked citizens rushed out of their houses, reciting kalimas and verses from the holy Quran. Relief and rescue activities are underway in the affected areas with an emergency declared in all hospitals.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), most of the deceased are children.
The quake affected Quetta, Sibi, Harnai, Pishin, Qila Saifullah, Chaman, Ziarat and Zhob in Balochistan. The magnitude of the quake was measured at 5.9 on the Richter scale.
Prime Minister Imran Khan, meanwhile, has directed all federal departments to fully assist the Balochistan government in provision of relief to the earthquake victims.
In a statement, the Prime Minister said the federal government will extend all possible assistance to Balochistan government in this difficult hour.