Pakistan has urged its citizens in Kyrgyzstan to remain indoors following violent attacks on foreigners in the capital city on Friday night. The Foreign Ministry disclosed that the unrest stemmed from an unspecified dispute involving migrants. In response to the escalating situation, 140 Pakistani students were evacuated from Bishkek and repatriated back to Pakistan.
A special flight carrying the returning students landed in Lahore, with plans for additional flights to bring back any individuals wishing to depart Bishkek in light of the recent violence. Reports from local media indicate that the clashes began after a confrontation between Kyrgyz locals and foreign residents in the city.
The Pakistani embassy in Bishkek has been actively engaging with Kyrgyz authorities to ensure the safety and security of Pakistani nationals in the country. Some Pakistani students who sustained injuries during the incidents received medical treatment at a nearby hospital in Bishkek.
In response to the attacks, Pakistan summoned a Kyrgyz diplomat to formally protest against the assaults on its citizens. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep concern over the violence and announced the dispatch of a senior Cabinet minister to Bishkek to oversee efforts aimed at safeguarding Pakistani students.
Authorities in Pakistan have been unable to confirm any fatalities among their nationals as a result of the attacks. It is estimated that thousands of Pakistanis are currently residing in Kyrgyzstan for educational or employment purposes.
