ISLAMABAD, May 30 (Xinhua) -- At least 13 people died of heat stroke in central Pakistan Punjab province during the last 24 hours and scores of others fainted as temperatures shot up 48 degree Celsius in Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi khan and Jhang districts, local newspaper Daily Times reported on Tuesday.

    "Our association has collected data from various hospitals which revealed that 12 people have so far died in southern Punjab," said Shahid Rao, the PMA general secretary.

    The Meteorological Department has forecast dry and hot weather during the next 24 hours in southern Punjab.

    According to local media reports, at least 137 people have died of dehydration, diarrhea and sunstroke in a month-long spell of extreme summer heat in eastern Pakistan. Enditem