Five Pakistanis Injured in Kyrgyzstan Hostel Attack
Local Extremists Target Foreign Students’ Hostels and Residences
Incident Overview:
ISLAMABAD: A violent mob attack in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, left several international students, including five Pakistanis, injured. The attack prompted Pakistan to summon the Kyrgyz envoy Melis Moldaliev to the Foreign Office, demanding “all possible measures” for the protection of the students. The Pakistani embassy in Kyrgyzstan advised students to remain indoors until the situation de-escalates.
Evacuation of Pakistani Students:
On Saturday night, 140 Pakistani students who were stranded in Bishkek arrived in Lahore, as confirmed by an interior ministry spokesperson. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi welcomed them at Allama Iqbal International Airport. More students are expected to arrive on Sunday.
Cause of the Violence:
The violence erupted following the viral spread of videos depicting a fight between Kyrgyz and Egyptian students on May 13. This incident incited a group of protesters to attack hostels of medical universities, where many Pakistani and other international students reside. Private residences of foreign students were also targeted.
Health and Safety Measures:
According to the Kyrgyz health ministry, four Pakistani students received first aid and were discharged, while one is undergoing treatment for a jaw injury. Despite the Kyrgyz authorities’ claims of having the situation under control, Pakistani students were advised to stay indoors until complete normalcy is restored.
Details of the Attack:
Attacks on Hostels and Residences:
Hasan Zaigham, Pakistan’s ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, provided a video update on X (formerly Twitter) detailing the attacks by “local extremist elements.” Six hostels of international students and several private residences were targeted, resulting in 14 injuries.
Embassy and Government Response:
The Pakistani embassy is working closely with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of Pakistani students. Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch reiterated the embassy’s commitment to student safety.
In a statement, the Foreign Office (FO) emphasized its ongoing communication with Kyrgyz authorities to safeguard Pakistani nationals. The Kyrgyz government expressed regret over the violence and pledged to conduct an inquiry and punish those responsible.
Government of Pakistan’s Actions:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Directives:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep concern over the violence and directed Ambassador Zaigham to provide all necessary support to Pakistani students. The PM instructed the ambassador to visit the hostels and ensure the students’ safety. Arrangements for the immediate return of injured students to Pakistan were also ordered, with the government covering all expenses.
Visit of High-Ranking Officials:
The Prime Minister has tasked Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Kashmir Affairs Minister Amir Muqam to visit Bishkek on a special flight. Their mission is to meet senior Kyrgyz government officials, ensure medical facilities for the injured students, and oversee the repatriation process.
Conclusion:
The attack on international students in Bishkek has prompted swift action from the Pakistani government to ensure the safety and well-being of its nationals. The situation remains tense, and the embassy continues to monitor developments closely, advising students to stay indoors until the situation is fully resolved.
For more updates visit on my website.