Islamabad, 3 June 2024 (TDI): Muhammad Salim, Additional Secretary MOFA met with Kyrgyz Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Gen. Erkebek Ashirkhodzhaev.
Problems faced by Pakistani students in Kyrgyz medical universities including security, visas, and quality of education were discussed. The Kyrgyz side has taken steps to ensure the safety and security of all Pakistani nationals.
On 18 May 2024, late Friday night, a mob of local Kyrgyz attacked international students, including Pakistani nationals, studying in Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek. Pakistan’s Embassy in Bishkek described the attack on foreign students as the aftermath of a brawl between locals and Egyptian nationals on 13 May.
According to Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the violence resulted in injuries to five Pakistani students, one of whom suffered a jaw injury. However, the Kyrgyz media described the violence as a “protest against foreigners.”
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Mission to Kyrgyzstan issued a public notice advising students to stay indoors until the situation returns to normal.
The Pakistani Prime Minister said, “Deeply concerned over the situation of Pakistani students in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. I have directed Pakistan’s Ambassador to provide all necessary help and assistance.”
Consequently, the Kyrgyz authorities expressed regret at the incidents of violence against Pakistani students. They have also pledged to hold an inquiry and punish the perpetrators.
According to estimates, there are around 12,000 Pakistani students, most of them studying Medical Sciences in Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan is one of the top destinations for Pakistani students to pursue education, specifically in Medical Sciences.
It may be pertinent to highlight that Pakistan established diplomatic relations with the former Soviet member state in 1992 and opened its Embassy in Bishkek in 1995.
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Both are regional neighbors and members of important international organizations, i.e., SCO, ECO, OIC, NAM, G-77, etc. The two countries have cordial relations based on trust, mutual respect, and goodwill.
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