ICC Note:

Dozens of Christians died during Christmas celebrations in Pakistan due to drinking toxic alcohol. The incident took place in Toba Tek Singh, located in eastern Punjab. According to reports, at least 42 died and another 150 were taken to the hospital with alcohol poisoning. This tragedy has truly marred an otherwise peaceful Christmas holiday in Pakistan. Remember to pray for the victims of this incident today. 

12/30/2016 Pakistan (The Christian Times) – Dozens of Christians died and at least a hundred more fell sick after drinking toxic alcohol during Christmas celebrations in the district of Toba Tek Singh in eastern Punjab.

According to a report from Al Jazeera, at least 42 have died and 150 were taken to the clinics. Muhammad Shahbaz, a local police official, said that the authorities have already taken the alcohol sellers in the district into custody for questioning. He added that five Muslims were among the victims.

Shahbaz also revealed that the individual who was allegedly responsible for arranging the liquor at the Christmas festivities was among the dead.

Senior police official Bilal Kamyana said that the alcohol was prepared at home and sold in polythene bags for 500 rupees or about $5.00 each.

According to the DNA India, five suspects were taken into custody in connection to the alcohol poisoning. The suspects allegedly purchased 20 liters of aftershave lotion and mixed it with other chemicals before they sold it as liquor.

“The men who belong to the Christian community drank liquor on the night of December 25 and went home,” said police officer Mohammad Nadeem. “Tragedy struck the next morning when many did not rise from their beds, while others got sick,” he went on to say.

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