Two Pakistanis dead, 23 rescued as boat carrying migrants capsizes in Turkey: FO.

BITLIS -- Two Pakistani nationals lost their lives on Thursday when a boat carrying migrants capsized in eastern Turkey's Lake Van, the governor's office in Bitlis province said.

The Foreign Office in Pakistan confirmed the news on Friday in a press release issued to the media. According to the FO, the boat was carrying 71 migrants, 25 of whom were Pakistanis. Bangladesh and Afghanistan citizens were also among the dead.

"We have learnt with deep sorrow about the tragic incident," the FO said. "Turkish authorities carried out the search and rescue operation in the aftermath of the accident. Unfortunately, two Pakistani nationals lost their lives."

"Other 23 Pakistani nationals present on the boat have been rescued and are with the local Turkish authorities. Those in need of medical attention are being treated in local hospitals," the FO added.

The doomed boat capsized as it approached Adilcevaz district in Bitlis, which is on the northern shores of Lake Van, Turkish officials said in a statement.

The accident happened at around 3:00 am local time (0000 GMT).

The lake is near the border with Iran, from...