Pakistani students studying in Kyrgyzstan’s capital Bishkek were asked to “stay indoors” after they were among foreign students subjected to mob violence by locals early on Saturday. No deaths have been confirmed by the country’s mission in the Central Asian state so far.
The violence prompted the country’s ambassador to Bishkek, Hasan Zaigham, to advise all Pakistani students to stay indoors till the situation “returns to normal”.
“In view of mob violence around student hostels in Bishkek, the embassy strongly advises all Pakistani students in Bishkek to stay indoors until the situation returns to normal,” Zaigham wrote on X.
“We are liaising with the local law enforcement authorities to ensure the safety of our student fraternity.”
The envoy also shared helpline numbers +996555554476 and +996507567667, asking the students to call in case of an emergency.
According to the embassy in Bishkek, foreign students were attacked by local mobs in the aftermath of a brawl between Egyptian nationals and locals a few days ago.
“There have been a number of incidents of mob violence against foreign students in Bishkek since last evening. According to the Kyrgyz press, the matter boiled over yesterday due to sharing online of videos of a fight between Kyrgyz students and medical students from Egypt on 13th of May,” the embassy said in a statement.
“So far, a few hostels of medical universities in Bishkek and private residences of international students including Pakistanis have been attacked. The hostels are inhabited by students from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh,” it said.
“There have been reports of light injuries to a number of students from Pakistan. Despite social media posts about alleged death and rape of Pakistani students, so far, we have not received any confirmed report,” the statement added.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said the local embassy was in contact with Kyrgyz authorities and the mission’s staff has “responded to hundreds of queries by students and their families”.
The premier added that his office was also in touch with the embassy and constantly monitoring the situation.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the mob attacks on students in the Kyrgyz Republic are “extremely concerning”.
“We have established contact with the Kyrgyz authorities to ensure protection of Pakistani students.”
Dar further said he instructed Ambassador Zaigham to fully facilitate the students.
