Bishkek, 18 May 2024, (GNP): Pakistan’s Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Hasan Zaigham, met with the Kyrgyz Deputy Foreign Minister, Imangaziev Almaz, on Saturday to convey the concerns of Pakistani nationals in Bishkek, where violent mobs attacked international students, including those from Pakistan.
The envoy’s meeting comes after the Kyrgyz government confirmed that no Pakistani student died in the violence that broke out earlier this week.
The violence, sparked by an incident on May 13 involving Egyptian students, erupted in the Kyrgyz capital, affecting a large number of foreigners, including Pakistani students.
During his meeting with the minister, Ambassador Zaigham urged prioritizing the safeguarding of Pakistani nationals. The Kyrgyz minister assured him that local authorities have controlled the situation, which is now returning to normal.
The Kyrgyz Police are providing security to all the hostels, and the matter is being directly supervised by the Kyrgyz President, he told the Pakistani envoy, while assuring that the government will take legal action against the perpetrators of yesterday’s attack.
All fourteen injured foreign nationals, including some Pakistanis, were discharged after first aid, while one Pakistani national remains under treatment, he said.
Earlier today, the embassy said that the Kyrgyz Ministry of Internal Affairs has issued press releases stating that the situation is under control. It’s reassuring to see swift actions being taken to address the situation and ensure the safety of all affected individuals, including Pakistani nationals.
The embassy also stated that it hadn’t received any confirmed reports regarding the alleged death and rape of Pakistani students in the Central Asian country, despite claims made on social media websites.
However, it added that there have been reports of light injuries to a number of students from Pakistan.
Also Read: Flash floods in Afghanistan claims 50 lives
The embassy’s response came in light of the violent mob attacks on international students in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek. The violence erupted due to a harassment incident involving Egyptian female students on May 13.
The city’s Interior Affairs Directorate chief, on the other hand, said the reports of casualties in the May 13 fighting are false. It’s essential to rely on official statements and verified sources to get accurate information during such incidents.
What happened in Bishkek
The account provided by Mohammad Abdullah sheds light on the sequence of events leading to the violence in Bishkek. It appears that the initial dispute over harassment escalated into broader conflicts between local and foreign students, including Pakistanis.
The complaints about the lack of cooperation from the Pakistan embassy during the violence underscore the need for swift and effective diplomatic assistance to nationals in such situations.
The reports of local protests demanding action against the foreigners involved in the dispute reflect the tense atmosphere in the aftermath of the incidents. It’s crucial for authorities to handle such situations carefully to prevent further escalation of violence.
Pakistani students advised to stay indoors
Ambassador Zaigham’s advised Pakistani students to stay indoors until the situation returns to normal.
“We are liaising with the local law enforcement authorities to ensure safety of our student fraternity,” the ambassador wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
Helpline for Pakistani nationals
For any emergency situations, Pakistani nationals in Kyrgyzstan are informed to contact the embassy’s helpline numbers: +996555554476, +996507567667, +996550730550, and +996501140874. Additionally, assistance can be sought from the CMU at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad via the numbers: 0519203108 and 0519203094, or by emailing cmu1@mofa.gov.pk. These contact channels are operational 24/7 to provide support and assistance.
