About 18,000 people were feared dead in a strong earthquake in Pakistan, according to Pakistani military spokesman on Sunday.

The spokesman said about 41,000 were injured and the toll could still rise.

Major General Shaukat Sultan told private Geo television that across the country, 17,000 people were killed in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir and 1,000 more in Punjab and North West Frontier province.

Over 210 army jawans lost their lives due to the earthquake and more than 400 injured, Sultan said, adding the death toll could rise further.

He said many affected areas were still not accessible.

Source: Xinhua