Outbreaks of mob violence in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, have escalated, putting Pakistani students at risk. The unrest was triggered by a viral video involving students, which has led to targeted attacks on Pakistani students.
The incidents have prompted urgent advisories from Pakistan’s ambassador, Hasan Zaigham, urging students to remain indoors. This escalation follows the circulation of videos showing a clash involving Kyrgyz and Egyptian students.
Ambassador Zaigham issued a warning via X, formerly Twitter, highlighting the dangers around student hostels and advising Pakistani students to avoid going outside until conditions stabilize. He confirmed ongoing coordination with local authorities to protect the students.
The origins of the mob violence remain unclear. However, the Pakistani embassy noted that tensions escalated after a fighting video from May 13 went viral, sparking unrest.
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, a spokesperson for the Pakistani Foreign Office, stated that the embassy is actively responding to concerns from affected students and their relatives. The embassy has reported multiple attacks on hostels housing students from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, with some students sustaining minor injuries.
Despite rumours of severe casualties on social media, no deaths or rapes have been confirmed by the embassy. Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has expressed concern and directed the ambassador to provide comprehensive assistance to the Pakistani students in Bishkek.
