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Pakistani Students Injured in Mob Violence in Bishkek
A disturbing wave of violence has swept through Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan, leaving several Pakistani students injured in clashes near student hostels.
Reports indicate that violent confrontations erupted among student groups, with attackers wielding batons and forcefully entering hostel premises, resulting in injuries to international students, including those from Pakistan.
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The violence is believed to have originated from a harassment incident involving Egyptian female students on May 13, escalating tensions among student communities in the area.
In response to the escalating situation, the Pakistan Embassy in Kyrgyzstan issued a stern advisory urging Pakistani students in Bishkek to remain indoors until the situation returns to normalcy.
Ambassador Hasan Zaigham emphasized the embassy’s coordination with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of all students amidst the unrest.
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, spokeswoman for the Pakistani Foreign Office, disclosed that the embassy has been inundated with queries from concerned students and their families.
Helplines have been activated, with emergency contact numbers provided for immediate assistance to those affected.
She said Pakistan’s envoy and his team were available on the emergency contact numbers: +996555554476 and +996507567667.
Contrary to social media speculation, the embassy clarified that there have been no confirmed reports of Pakistani student fatalities or assaults thus far.
However, it acknowledged multiple incidents of mob violence targeting foreign students, particularly those residing in medical university hostels.
In a public notice, the embassy highlighted the severity of the situation, citing attacks on hostels of medical universities and private residences of international students, including those from Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister cum Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar have both expressed deep concern over the safety of Pakistani students in Bishkek.
Sharif directed the ambassador to provide all necessary assistance, while Dar ensured government efforts to establish contact with Kyrgyz authorities to ensure the protection of Pakistani students amidst the ongoing unrest.
As tensions continue to escalate, the Pakistani government remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad, pledging support and assistance to those affected by the unfortunate turn of events in Bishkek.
