Pakistani & Indian students were advised to stay indoors after the Kyrgyzstan Attack.
The capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, has witnessed a surge in violence over the past few days, with mobs targeting hostels that house students from India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. The unrest has reportedly resulted in the deaths of three Pakistani students, leading both Islamabad and New Delhi to issue advisories for their citizens in Kyrgyzstan.
In response to the disturbing events in Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, the first special flight carrying students from Kyrgyzstan successfully landed at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore on Saturday. This flight, KA-571, brought over 180 passengers, including the Pakistani students, from Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.
According to a Facebook post by the Pakistan Embassy, the violence erupted following the circulation of a video on May 13, depicting a fight between Kyrgyz students and Egyptian medical students. The embassy’s notice stated that the violence is directed against all foreign students, not just Pakistanis.
Several hostels at medical universities and private residences of international students, including those from Pakistan, have been attacked. Students from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh inhabit the affected hostels. The embassy noted reports of minor injuries among Pakistani students.
Hasan Zaigham, Pakistan’s ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, informed Arab News that five Pakistani students were injured in the violence. So far, it has been reported that one student was hospitalized with jaw injuries, while four others received first aid and were subsequently released.
In Kyrgyzstan, where over 12,000 Pakistani students are enrolled, recent violence has targeted hostels and residences of international students in Bishkek, including those from Pakistan. Following the recent events, the Kyrgyz government condemned the violence, attributing it to misinformation on social media, as reported by 24.kg.
The Pakistan Embassy, via a Facebook post, confirmed the attacks on medical university hostels and private residences. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded by activating its Crisis Management Unit (CMU), urging Pakistani nationals in Kyrgyzstan and their families to contact them at 0519203108 or 0519203094, or via email at cmu1@mofa.gov.pk.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep concern over the situation and stated that his office constantly communicates with the Pakistani Embassy to monitor developments. He emphasized that the Pakistani Ambassador has been instructed to provide all necessary assistance to affected students.
This is a developing story.
