Islamabad, Dec 21 (DPA) At least 12 people died after drinking locally brewed liquor apparently tainted with lethal chemicals in Pakistan’s eastern province of Punjab, a news report said Monday.
The deaths occurred overnight in two neighbourhoods of Multan town, located 340 km south-west of the provincial capital, Lahore.

Three more people were admitted to a local state-run hospital, where doctors described their condition as critical, the Geo News television channel said.

Police arrested one suspected bootlegger and seized eight drums of alcohol, Geo said.

Alcohol is banned in Pakistan and only a few licensed outlets operate to cater to non-Muslims. However, smuggled and locally brewed liquor is easily available, and its consumption increases around customary festivals and the New Year.