Pakistan: 32 people die after consuming toxic liquor

Police officer Mohammad Nadeem said that 25 people were still being treated in hospitals in Toba Tek Singh and Faisalabad to have their stomachs pumped. “The men who belong to the Christian community drank liquor on the night of 25 December and went home. Tragedy struck the next morning when many did not rise from their beds, while others got sick,” he said.

Meanwhile, authorities have formed an inquiry committee to probe the tragedy. According to a police official, a father-son duo have been arrested for making the toxic liquor.

Though Pakistan has allowed some breweries to function, alcohol sales and consumption are strictly prohibited for Muslims and tightly regulated for minority communities and foreigners. In March, 45 people, including 35 Hindus, had died after consuming spurious liquor during Holi celebrations in Sindh province.