KARACHI: At least three people died in Rizvia Society of the city’s Nazimabad No. 1 area after consuming toxic liquor, police said on Monday.

According to a statement issued by police, six people were currently under treatment after consuming the illicit liquor. All the affected persons belonged to North Nazimabad No.1 and its adjoining areas.

A suspect has been arrested in relation to the incident, the statement said.

“16 small and three large bottles of illicit liquor were recovered from the possession of the suspect,” the police said in its statement, adding that a case has been registered and raids were underway.

The statement said that, as per the Rizvia Society Police, the illicit liquor was purchased from different places.

Sindh Inspector General (IG) Javed Alam Odho took strict notice of the incident and has sought an immediate and detailed report from the Central district senior superintendent of police (SSP), according to a statement issued by his spokesperson.

IG Odho directed that a transparent, impartial and comprehensive investigation be ensured at all costs. He further stated that the responsible elements must be identified and strict legal action taken against those involved.

Apparently referring to Holi, he stated: “In light of the minority festival, strict action should be taken against those involved in the sale of toxic illicit liquor and other drugs.”

Liquor poisoning is common in Pakistan, where the Muslim majority is forbidden to consume or sell alcohol. Non-Muslims can drink, but many poor buy the cheapest homemade liquor, which is often adulterated.

While higher-income Pakistanis buy bootlegged alcohol at heavily-inflated prices, the poor often resort to home-brews that can contain methanol, commonly used in anti-freeze and fuel, that can lead to blindness, liver damage and death.

The commonly consumed liquor is made from ethyl alcohol, which does not produce the acids in the human body which cause death.