At least eight children died and dozens other contracted the ailment in the aftermath of a measles outbreak in Balochistan's Zhob and Awaran districts on Saturday.

"Five children died and 36 other are suffering from measles in the Mashkay area of Awaran district," said Director General Health Balochistan Dr Masood Nowsherwani.

The affected children were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.

However, locals complained about lack of basic health facilities and absence of qualified doctors in the area.

"We have dispatched teams in the area to ensure provision of health facilities to patients", Nowsherwani claimed.

Authorities in Zhob district also confirmed the death of three children due to measles in the Murgha Kibzai area of the district.

A senior administration official, requesting anonymity, told DawnNews that dozens of children were affected as a result of the measles outbreak in the area.

Emergency has been imposed in the area to ensure provision of health facilities to patients.

Chief Minister Balochistan's Nawab Sanaullah Zehri also took notice of the situation and ordered the health department to provide health facilities to patients.