At least 18 people died and seven other fell unconscious after consuming toxic liquor in Toba Tek Singh district of Punjab on Monday.

The affected people belonged to Christian community and they had consumed liquor in revelry, enjoying the Christmas eve, DawnNews reported.

Initial reports suggested that a total of 22 people consumed the toxic liquor, out of which 16 affected people were brought to district headquarter hospital where 13 have died so far.

Meanwhile, six patients were transported to Allied Hospital Faisalabad, where five people died later.

Doctors told DawnNews that conditions of the affectees were critical. They termed it premature to comment over their chances of survival.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Saddar, Atif Imran Qureshi informed that the toxic liquor was sold in the pretext of permitted liquor. He added that the matter is being investigated and assured that action would be taken against those involved.

He revealed that two wine sellers were also among the 10 dead.

"Police does not act against wine sellers after receiving their share of bribe," wife of an affected person alleged before media.

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...