Deaths have occurred in the past at distribution points due to inadequate arrangements.

A 45-year-old man died Sunday in the eastern city of Lahore while trying to get subsidized flour.

Sheikh said the level of negligence in Karachi stampede should be investigated.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilnai ordered an immediate enquiry into the incident, while President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his 'shock and grief,' saying authorities should have taken measures to ensure the food distribution was safe.

Police detained the businessman, Chaudhry Iftikhar, who was distributing the free rations, for questioning.