LAHORE: At least 18 people died and around two dozen others suffered serious health issues after partygoers at two separate events consumed toxic drinks, officials said yesterday.
Victims were rushed to hospitals in the central Pakistani city of Faisalabad when they fell unconscious after drinking the alcohol at a birthday party and another gathering. Both the events were held in private homes.
“The death toll from the two parties has reached 18. Around two dozens others are heavily affected by the toxic liquor and battling for consciousness,” Javed Ahmed Khan, a senior police official, said.
“The incidents took place in Batala colony. Five people were killed at a birthday party on Thursday and 13 others died in another get-together in the same area on Friday,” he said.
Public sale of alcohol is banned in conservative Islamic Pakistan and many people prepare cheap liquor at home.
AFP
