Fault Geometry and Tectonic Implications of the 2026 Jalalpur Sharif Earthquake, Pakistan

The moderate-magnitude (Mw 4.5) 26 May 2026 Jalalpur Sharif earthquake in northern Pakistan caused localized severe damage, one fatality, and a maximum Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) of VII. Field observations documented liquefaction-related ground deformation, transient groundwater turbidity, differential settlement, tilted utility poles, and earthquake-induced landslides in Quaternary deposits. Moment tensor inversion indicates shallow (~3 km) oblique-thrust faulting, with NE–SW strike direction (strike 217°, dip 55°, rake 46°). Gravity modeling reveals a ~20 mGal residual anomaly aligned with the Pabbi Anticline, supporting structural complexity and the presence of shallow faulting, although the causative fault cannot be uniquely resolved. Regional seismicity is concentrated at 10–15 km depth, with a peak near 12 km, indicating depth-dependent deformation within the sedimentary cover and deeper regional thrust system. Coulomb stress modeling shows negligible static stress changes (~0.001 bar) at Jalalpur Sharif from the 2019 Mw 5.8 Mirpur and 2024 Mw 5.0 Kharian earthquakes, providing little support for direct static triggering. The localized damage likely resulted from the combined effects of shallow faulting, potentially liquefiable sediments and vulnerable buildings. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating shallow seismogenic structures and local ground conditions into seismic hazard assessments across the eastern Potwar foreland.