Late Friday night, several Pakistani students in Bishkek were subjected to mob violence, resulting in multiple injuries. However, the Pakistani embassy has confirmed that there have been no deaths. According to the embassy in Bishkek, local residents attacked foreign students, including Pakistanis, following a recent altercation between foreign students and Egyptian nationals.

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The attacks targeted medical university hostels and private residences of international students. Despite social media rumors, the embassy clarified that no Pakistani student has been reported dead or raped. In response to the violence, the embassy has urged Pakistani students to remain indoors. In a social media post, Pakistani Ambassador to Bishkek Hasan Zaigham assured that the embassy is coordinating with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of Pakistani students. The ambassador also provided emergency helpline numbers: +996555554476 and +996507567667.

“In light of the mob violence occurring around student hostels in Bishkek, the embassy strongly advises all Pakistani students in the area to remain indoors until the situation stabilizes. We are coordinating with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of our student community,” the ambassador stated. Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch reiterated the ambassador’s message, emphasizing that the embassy is in contact with Kyrgyz authorities to assist Pakistani students, prioritizing their safety. Social media posts have also reported incidents of mob violence at hostels housing foreign students in Bishkek, sharing footage and images, with many urging authorities to provide immediate assistance to the Pakistani students.

IN VIEW OF MOB VIOLENCE AROUND STUDENT HOSTELS IN BISHKEK,
THE EMBASSY STONGLY ADVISE ALL PAKISTANI STUDENTS IN BISHKEK TO STAY INDOORS UNTIL THE SITUATION RETURN TO NORMAL.

WE ARE LIAISING WITH THE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES TO ENSURE SAFETY OF OUR STUDENT FRATERNITY.

— Hasan Zaigham (@hazaigham) May 17, 2024

Ambassador Hasan Zaigham stated that the embassy staff has been consistently addressing calls from Pakistani students and providing them with the utmost support. “The Embassy of Pakistan is doing its best to help Pakistani students in distress,” he replied to a post on X. FO spokesperson Baloch echoed the ambassador’s sentiments, mentioning that he and his team are reachable through the provided emergency numbers, which are also available on WhatsApp. “They have responded to hundreds of inquiries from students and their families. If the lines are busy due to high call volume, please send a text or WhatsApp message,” she suggested.

According to a public notice from the embassy, there have been several incidents of mob violence against foreign students in Bishkek since last evening. Citing Kyrgyz press reports, the notice stated that tensions escalated following the circulation of a video on May 13 depicting a fight between Kyrgyz students and Egyptian medical students. It also mentioned that some hostels of medical universities in Bishkek, as well as private residences of international students, including Pakistanis, have been attacked. These hostels house students from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Despite social media claims of deaths and rapes among students in Bishkek, the embassy reported only minor injuries to several students. “There have been reports of light injuries to a number of students from Pakistan. As of 5:30 AM PST, we have not received any confirmed reports of deaths or rapes,” the embassy stated.

I’m Medical Students in Kyrgyzstan need your help as we are being tortured by local extremist there.

– Raise Voice about this Everyone.#Bishkek #Kyrgyzstan pic.twitter.com/btysYJiUrV

— Rehan Tariq🇵🇰 (@drRehan_m0) May 17, 2024

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressing concerns over the situation of violence in Bishkek, directed Pakistan’s Ambassador in Kyrgyzstan to provide all necessary support to the Pakistani students. “Deeply concerned over the situation of Pakistani students in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. I have directed Pakistan’s Ambassador to provide all necessary help and assistance,” the prime minister wrote on his X timeline. “My office is also in touch with the Embassy and constantly monitoring the situation,” the prime minister added.

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