Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release on Saturday, summoning the ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, citing concerns over recent violence against Pakistani students in the country.
At least 29 people from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Egypt were injured in mob violence against foreigners in Bishkek on Friday. The cause of the violence and intense hostility against migrants is unclear, but Kyrgyz authorities say it was triggered by recent conflict and are investigating the incident. On Friday, hundreds of Kyrgyzstans stormed a building housing Pakistani and Afghan students.
In response to the violence, the Pakistani embassy opened an emergency helpline to help students and their families safely evacuate. Pakistanis in the country have been warned not to go out after dark. The Pakistani government also summoned the Kyrgyz ambassador and expressed deep concern over the situation. The press release said:The Chargé d’Affaires of Kyrgyzstan was strongly impressed that the Kyrgyz Government should take all possible measures to ensure the safety and security of Pakistani students and citizens residing in the Kyrgyz Republic. ”
Since the violence, Pakistani authorities have arranged for planes to transport the students from the Central Asian country. At least 540 students secured seats on special flights. Pakistan’s ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Hassan Zaigham, visited the Kyrgyzstan National Hospital on Friday and met with Pakistanis injured in the attack.
