World Bulletin/News Desk

A bride and groom were among 12 people drowned when a boat capsized in Pakistan, rescue officials said.

The matrimonial outing on the Chenab river was caught in heavy currents on Sunday near the central city of Multan, 550km south of capital Islamabad.

The boat carrying around 25 family members overturned as it returned from the ceremony. Up to eight people are still missing and a navy diver taking part in the rescue operation was among the fatalities, a Pakistan navy spokesman said in a statement.

High water levels in the Chenab and other rivers in north-eastern Punjab province and Pakistani-administered Kashmir have led to 280 deaths and displaced nearly 2 million people over the last 11 days.

Five people were rescued from the wedding boat but rescuers fear the death toll could rise due to difficulties caused by swirling currents.