Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Sunday that three special commercial flights had been arranged to bring back 540 Pakistani students from Kyrgyzstan.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore with Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Dar stated, “Yesterday, around 130 students returned to Pakistan on commercial flights. Today, three special flights will bring back 540 more students, increasing the total to 670.”
Dar added that the government had also coordinated with the Air Force for a special flight. “The capacity of that flight will be around 130. So far, about 50 students have confirmed their interest,” he said.
This follows the arrival of over 100 students in Lahore last night after mob violence in Bishkek injured five Pakistani students, according to the Kyrgyz health ministry.
Background of the Violence
Kyrgyz police mobilized forces in Bishkek to quell violence, where hundreds attacked buildings housing foreign students, including Pakistanis. The Pakistan embassy in Bishkek reported that locals attacked foreign students after a brawl with Egyptian nationals on May 13.
The Kyrgyz media outlet reported that a spontaneous protest against foreigners began on Friday night in Bishkek and ended on Saturday morning after police intervened.
Pakistan summoned Kyrgyz envoy Melis Moldaliev to demand protection for the students. The embassy advised students to stay indoors until the situation de-escalates.
Government Response and Assurances
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had asked Dar to visit Bishkek with Kashmir Affairs Minister Amir Muqam, but they did not travel as planned. Dar quoted Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Zheenbek Kulubaev, who said 16 foreign students, including four to five Pakistanis, were injured.
Dar assured that officials were monitoring the situation and that there was “complete peace” without further problems. He also mentioned that opposition parties in Kyrgyzstan often campaign against foreign students.
Kulubaev told Dar that false reports about Pakistani students being killed were circulated on social media. Dar emphasized that no Pakistani student had died.
The government had sent two additional officers to assist the Pakistani mission. Dar said they would monitor the situation daily and assured students who wished to return that they would be brought back.
Information Minister’s Remarks
Information Minister Tarar emphasized that Pakistani students were not the target of the clashes, which involved local students and those from an Arab country. He condemned the spread of false information about the incident, which caused unnecessary worry among parents.
Tarar confirmed that six students were receiving treatment in three hospitals and were in stable condition. The government is committed to ensuring the safety of all Pakistani citizens.
Dar clarified that he and Muqam did not visit Kyrgyzstan to avoid diplomatic tensions. He assured that the situation was under control and that the Kyrgyz authorities supported international students.
Attack on Hostels
Ambassador Zaigham posted a video update about the situation on X (formerly Twitter). He reported that local extremist elements had attacked six hostels and private residences of international students, injuring 14.
The embassy advised all Pakistani students in Bishkek to stay indoors until the situation normalized. The Foreign Office Spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, reiterated that the embassy was in contact with Kyrgyz authorities to ensure the safety of Pakistani students.
The Foreign Office stated that the government was in contact with Kyrgyz authorities to ensure the safety and security of its nationals. The Kyrgyz authorities pledged to investigate the violence and punish the perpetrators.
