Pakistani officials reported that Pakistani students in the Kyrgyzstan capital of Bishkek faced mob violence late Friday night. According to Pakistan’s Embassy in Bishkek, foreign students, including those from Pakistan, were targeted by locals following a previous altercation with Egyptian nationals a few days ago.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed deep concern over the situation of Pakistani students in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. In a post on his social media handle, he directed Pakistan’s Ambassador to provide all necessary help and assistance to the students. The Prime Minister’s Office is also in touch with the Embassy and constantly monitoring the situation.
Telephonic Conversation with Ambassador
During a telephonic conversation with the Pakistani Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Hasan Ali Zaigham, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed him to provide every kind of support and help to Pakistani students in the current situation. He directed the Ambassador to visit the hostels and meet the students, as well as to keep in constant touch with the parents of the students and provide timely information to them.
Medical Facilities and Return Arrangements
Additionally, the Prime Minister instructed the embassy to provide medical facilities to the injured students and make immediate arrangements for those who wish to return to Pakistan. He assured that the government will bear the cost in this regard. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that he is personally monitoring the situation in Kyrgyzstan and assured that Pakistani students will not be left alone. He also mentioned that the government is in touch with the government of Kyrgyzstan.
Foreign Minister’s Statement
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that Pakistan has established contact with Kyrgyz authorities to ensure the protection of Pakistani students. The Ambassador in Kyrgyzstan has been instructed to fully facilitate Pakistani students. The Foreign Office Spokesperson mentioned that the Pakistani Ambassador and his team have responded to hundreds of queries by students and their families.
Safety Advisory from the Embassy:
Meanwhile, the Embassy of Pakistan in Kyrgyzstan has strongly advised the Pakistani students to stay indoors amidst mob violence taking place outside the student hostels in Bishkek.
In social media post, Ambassador of Pakistan in Bishkek Hasan Zaigham assured that the embassy is liaising with the local law enforcement authorities to ensure safety of the Pakistani students.
The envoy also shared helpline numbers +996555554476 and +996507567667, asking the students to call in case of emergency.
