In November 2002, two medium-sized earthquakes struck northern Pakistan, causing major damage in Baltistan region and killing 41 people.

Along the northern margin of the India-Eurasia convergent boundary is the Main Himalayan Thrust which accommodates north–south continental collision.

In the Balochistan region, the convergence is highly oblique, involving the large Chaman Fault; a left-lateral strike-slip structure.

While a large portion of the boundary is accommodated by strike-slip faulting, the region also hosts the Sulaiman fold and thrust belt.

41 people were killed during the two tremors, including a family of seven who all died when their house collapsed, and many others were injured in Diamer District.