Pakistani Students Return Home from Kyrgyzstan Following Violence in Bishkek
Following mob violence targeting foreign citizens, including Pakistanis, in Bishkek over the weekend, the Pakistani government has arranged for the repatriation of 140 students from Kyrgyzstan.
The first group of Pakistani students arrived at Lahore airport via a special flight on Saturday night, with plans for more flights to bring back citizens who wish to leave Bishkek after the violent incidents.
The attacks on buildings where foreign students reside, including Pakistanis, occurred on Friday. This came after videos of a brawl between Kyrgyz and Egyptian students circulated online, fueling anti-foreigner sentiment.
The Pakistani Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, emphasized the priority of ensuring the safe return of Pakistani students. Additional flights are scheduled for Sunday to bring back more students.
Students, advised by the Pakistan Embassy to stay indoors after the attacks, requested evacuation due to dwindling supplies and fear of further unrest.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the return of citizens who wish to leave Kyrgyzstan will be facilitated by the government. He dispatched a delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, to Bishkek to provide assistance to Pakistani students.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry summoned Kyrgyzstan’s top diplomat to protest the violence in Bishkek. Five Pakistani medical students were injured in the attacks, but no fatalities occurred, contrary to rumors circulating on social media.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Hassan Zaigham, confirmed that the situation is now under control, with Bishkek authorities dispersing the perpetrators of the violence.
