Bishkek Mob Violence – In response to the recent incidents of violence against international students in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken swift action by activating its Crisis Management Unit, following the directive of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. Pakistani nationals and their families in the Kyrgyz Republic can now reach out to the Crisis Management Unit for assistance and support via phone at 051-9203108 and 051-9203094, or through email at cmu1@mofa.gov.pk. The Pakistani Embassy in Kyrgyzstan has reassured that no Pakistani student has lost their life in the unrest, with the Kyrgyz government affirming that the situation is under control.
Despite circulating claims on social media, the embassy has not received any confirmed reports of deaths or assaults on Pakistani students, though some have sustained minor injuries. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also expressed deep concern for the safety of Pakistani students and has directed the Ambassador to provide necessary assistance, with constant monitoring of the situation by the Prime Minister’s Office.
Bishkek Mob Violence in Kyrgyzstan
In response to a clash between locals and international students in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on May 13, protesters gathered in significant numbers, leading to traffic disruption and property damage. Kyrgyzstan, renowned for its medical education, attracts a large number of students from the Indian subcontinent. As of April 2023, approximately 9,500 students from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh were enrolled in various medical universities in Kyrgyzstan. The situation escalated following the circulation of videos depicting a confrontation between Kyrgyz and Egyptian students, resulting in mobs targeting hostels housing students from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Pakistani and Indian students in Bishkek Kyrgyzstan
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed grave concerns regarding the situation in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and has instructed the country’s ambassador to extend all necessary assistance to affected students. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he emphasized his office’s continuous monitoring of the situation and coordination with the embassy. Despite social media claims of fatalities among Pakistani students, the government has not received any official reports of deaths. The consulate in Kyrgyzstan confirmed attacks on hostels housing international students, including those from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, resulting in minor injuries.
Similarly, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar assured the monitoring of Indian students’ welfare and advised them to remain in contact with the embassy, urging them to stay indoors amidst the reported calm situation. The Indian embassy is actively engaging with students to ensure their safety and assistance as needed.
