Kyrgyzstan assures safety of Pakistani students after mob violence

BISHKEK – The Kyrgyz government has pledged safety for Pakistani students and vowed action against violence in which scores of Pakistani students were injured, and harassed by locals.

The response comes as a charged mob attacked foreign students in Bishkek since Friday evening over sharing online clips of brawl between Kyrgyz students and medical students.

Ambassador Hassan Zaigham, representing Pakistan, held meeting with Kyrgyz Deputy Foreign Minister Almaz Imangaziev regarding recent violence in Bishkek.

The meeting was arranged at the behest of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. Ambassador Zaigham expressed grave concerns over the safety of Pakistani nationals, especially the affected students and their families, urging the Kyrgyz government to prioritize their protection.

Deputy Foreign Minister Imangaziev assured that the Kyrgyz authorities have restored order and are providing security to all affected hostels, with direct oversight from President Sadyr Japarov.

He also mentioned that legal action will be taken against the attackers, and updated that 14 foreign nationals, including some Pakistanis, have been treated and released, while one Pakistani is still receiving medical care.