A 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck parts of northern Pakistan on Friday, with tremors felt in the federal capital and several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, officials said.

According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre, the quake measured 5.6 on the Richter scale.

Its depth was recorded at 73 kilometres, with the epicentre located in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan.

Tremors were reported in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, as well as across multiple areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Swat, Mardan and surrounding localities, Lower Dir, Malakand, Chitral, Khyber, Bara, Jamrud, Landi Kotal and Tirah.

Shocks were also felt in Sargodha and adjoining areas.

Residents in several cities rushed out of homes and office buildings in fear, reciting prayers as the tremors subsided.

Authorities said no immediate reports of casualties or property damage had been received.

Relevant departments are assessing the situation.