A major fire broke out in the main bazaar of Rawat in the Thamak police station area on the outskirts of Islamabad, gutting several shops, rescue officials said.

Emergency teams reached the scene but faced significant difficulties containing the blaze as strong winds caused the fire to spread rapidly across a large area, officials said.

Flames were visible from a considerable distance, they added.

Firefighters are working to bring the fire under control, and officials said it would be extinguished shortly. Rescue operations have been intensified, they said.

The Assistant Commissioner and the area magistrate are present at the scene, officials added.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.