The death toll from the consumption of home-made toxic liquor in Pakistan's Punjab province today rose to 24 after four more people died.
The death toll mounted to 24 and around two dozen others suffered serious health issues after party-goers at two separate events consumed toxic drinks, officials said.
Muslims and Christians were among those who died over the past three days in Wasispura area of Faisalabad district, 150 km from Lahore, they said.
The men fell unconscious shortly after drinking the alcohol at a birthday party and another gathering. They were rushed to hospitals where 20 of them died.
Both of the events were held in private homes, Dunyanews reported.
Earlier reports said most of the victims were labourers, who had bought the home-made liquor from a man named Naji Butt.
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has ordered a probe into the incident.
The public sale of alcohol is banned in Pakistan and many people prepare cheap liquor at home.
Another police official said that most of the victims had died after they returned home.
"Most of the people have died at homes, while a few expired in hospitals," Abid Zafar, head of the local police station, said.
