Discussion of “Assessment of the Seismicity of Peshawar Region in Line with the Historical Data and Modern Building Codes (ASCE-07 and IBC3-2006)” by Shah et al

This discussion presents review of the seismic hazard in Peshawar, performed by various national and international researchers and agencies in the past, which was critically compared with the proposed peak ground acceleration (PGA) of 0.06 g. The PGA = 0.06 g corresponds to seismic Zone 1, which is the lowest seismic hazard as per the Building Code of Pakistan. The building damages observed in Peshawar in the recent past earthquakes are revisited to judge the correctness of PGA = 0.06 g for Peshawar that pertain to its suitability for use in the seismic design of structures. The recent seismic hazard studies reported also by other researchers are presented. Seismic hazard studies of Peshawar report widely conflicting results. The placement of Peshawar in the lowest seismic hazard Zone 1 will have a number of socioeconomic implications. Therefore, a critical review of these studies was essential to recommend suitable design level ground motion for Peshawar.