In an alarming turn of events, Pakistani students in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, faced a night of violence at the hands of local mobs, as reported by Pakistani officials on Saturday.
The incident unfolded following a viral video depicting a confrontation between Kyrgyz and Egyptian students, sparking outrage among locals. Kyrgyz media described the violence as a “protest against foreigners.” Five Pakistani students sustained injuries during the unrest, prompting the Pakistan Embassy to urge its nationals to remain indoors for their safety. India issued similar instructions to its citizens.
The Pakistani Embassy clarified that, despite social media rumors, no deaths or rapes of Pakistani students had been confirmed. However, one student suffered a jaw injury. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar deemed the reports of violence “extremely concerning,” directing the ambassador to ensure the safety of Pakistani students and facilitate their needs.
Ambassador Hasan Zaigham urged all Pakistanis in Bishkek to stay indoors until calm is restored, providing emergency helpline numbers for assistance. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs activated its Crisis Management Unit, urging affected nationals to contact them for support.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his office’s close monitoring of the situation, pledging full assistance to affected students. The Foreign Office conveyed deep concerns to the Kyrgyz Charge d’affaires and urged the government to prioritize the safety of Pakistani students.
Former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed deep concern over the situation, emphasizing the significant role Pakistani youth play as ambassadors abroad. He underscored the enduring bond between Islamabad and Bishkek, describing Kyrgyzstan as a second home for Pakistanis.
The Indian Embassy also cautioned its students to stay indoors amid the unrest. Multiple social media posts depicted violence targeting foreign students, amplifying calls for swift action to ensure their safety.
The situation escalated after a video of a skirmish between Kyrgyz and Egyptian students circulated on social media, leading to attacks on hostels housing international students, including those from Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.
Despite the targeted violence, the Pakistani Embassy noted that the attacks appeared directed at all foreign students, not specifically Pakistanis.
