About 18,000 people were killed and 40,000 people injured in a strong earthquake on Saturday, Pakistani military spokesman said on Sunday.

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