At least 18 people died and seven other fell unconscious after consuming toxic liquor in Toba Tek Singh district of Punjab on Monday.

The affected people belonged to Christian community and they had consumed liquor in revelry, enjoying the Christmas eve, DawnNews reported.

Initial reports suggested that a total of 22 people consumed the toxic liquor, out of which 16 affected people were brought to district headquarter hospital where 13 have died so far.

Meanwhile, six patients were transported to Allied Hospital Faisalabad, where five people died later.

Doctors told DawnNews that conditions of the affectees were critical. They termed it premature to comment over their chances of survival.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Saddar, Atif Imran Qureshi informed that the toxic liquor was sold in the pretext of permitted liquor. He added that the matter is being investigated and assured that action would be taken against those involved.

He revealed that two wine sellers were also among the 10 dead.

"Police does not act against wine sellers after receiving their share of bribe," wife of an affected person alleged before media.