Islamabad, Sep 14 (DPA) At least 18 women were killed and nine injured Monday in a stampede in Pakistan's southwestern port city of Karachi during a charity food hand-out, officials said.

The incident occurred in Karachi's Ghori Garden area, where many women had gathered to collect free flour and rice given away by a local businessman in respect of the holy month of Ramzan.

'We so far have 18 women dead and nine injured in the stampede,' said Abdullah Sheikh, a senior police officer. He said most of the deaths were caused by suffocation following the stampede.

The dead and injured were brought to a crowded local hospital, where staff struggled to maintain peace and order as a large number of angry relatives also came to the hospital looking for their loved ones.

Various rich businessmen give alms during Ramzan, providing free foodstuff or cooked food for the needy in the evening for breaking their fast.