The Pakistani government has successfully repatriated 140 students from Kyrgyzstan following violent attacks on foreign citizens in the capital, Bishkek, over the weekend. A special flight, carrying the first group of Pakistani students, landed in Lahore on Saturday night.
This repatriation effort comes in response to the recent unrest in Bishkek, which has raised concerns for the safety of foreign nationals residing there. Islamabad has announced plans to conduct additional flights to evacuate its citizens who wish to return home amidst the turmoil.
Pakistani student’s safety questioned!
According to media reports, panic erupted in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, as mobs targeted foreign students on Friday night. Pakistani students were among those caught in the violence, with at least five injured, one seriously enough to require hospitalization.
The unrest reportedly stemmed from a fight between Kyrgyz students and Egyptian medical students two weeks prior. A video of the brawl went viral, igniting tensions that exploded on Friday. Hostels housing foreign students, including Pakistanis, Indians, and Bangladeshis, were attacked by mobs.
Kyrgyz authorities deployed forces to quell the violence. Reports indicate 29 people were injured, with 14 foreigners receiving medical attention and being released. Pakistan’s Foreign Office confirmed five Pakistani students were hurt.
The Pakistani Embassy in Bishkek urged all Pakistanis in the city to stay indoors and established emergency hotlines. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan to ensure the safety and well-being of Pakistani students.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office summoned the Kyrgyz Charge d’Affaires to express grave concern about the violence. The Pakistani Ambassador met with the Kyrgyz Deputy Foreign Minister, demanding concrete steps to guarantee the safety of Pakistani students and citizens.
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The Kyrgyz Deputy Foreign Minister assured to initiate a full investigation and legal action against the perpetrators. The Indian Embassy in Bishkek mirrored the Pakistani Embassy’s advice, urging Indian students to remain indoors. Both Pakistan and India are closely monitoring the situation.
