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MULTAN, Pakistan (AP) — Police in Pakistan say the death toll from drinking tainted liquor over the Christmas holiday has risen to at least 36, and that some suspects have been arrested.
The Rev. Abid Inayat, a priest leading prayers among mourning families, said the "Christian community is very sad about this incident, because many young people have died and we pray for those people who are dead, that the Lord may grant them eternal rest."
Alcohol is prohibited in Muslim-majority Pakistan, but non-Muslims are allowed to purchase it from licensed shops. Christians make up a tiny minority and tend to work in low-income jobs, meaning that homemade liquor, despite the risks, is more affordable.
Police officer Mohammad Nadeem says, "We arrested some culprits who are responsible for this. The investigation is underway."
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