About 40 people were killed and more than 100 injured in a stampede at a Muslim shrine in Pakistan's central province of Punjab, ambulance workers and state media said today.
Witnesses said the stampede at the shrine of the 13th century saint Baba Fariduddin Ganj Shakar in the town of Pak Pattan happened as thousands of devotees pushed forward to pass through a holy gate at the start of an annual feast.
Ambulance workers said 30 people were crushed to death at the scene as the pilgrims rushed forward after the Behishti Darwaza, or Paradise Gate, was opened before midnight on Saturday to inaugurate the feast known as urs.
Some of the injured died later in hospital, they said.
Ambulance workers and hospital officials said about 125 people were injured.
Followers of the saint believe that passing through the Behishti Darwaza will earn them a place in paradise after death.