Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Sunday that three special commercial flights and an airforce plane are being arranged to bring back over 500 Pakistani students from Kyrgyzstan. The evacuation follows violent incidents in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, where Pakistani students were attacked.
During a press conference, Dar stated that approximately 130 students had already returned to Pakistan via commercial flights. An additional 540 students are expected to be evacuated through the special flights arranged for today. Additionally, an airforce plane with a capacity of 130 passengers is being prepared for departure.
The urgency of these measures comes after violent clashes in Bishkek resulted in injuries to five Pakistani students. The clashes, which began with a brawl involving Egyptian nationals, escalated into attacks on buildings housing foreign students. As a precaution, schools in the affected areas have been closed, and the Pakistani embassy in Bishkek has advised students to stay indoors.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed Pakistan’s ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Hasan Zaigham, to facilitate the necessary arrangements for the safe return of Pakistani students. On Saturday night, 140 Pakistani students arrived in Lahore, where they were received by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok of Kyrgyzstan stated that the suspect in the attack, who acted alone and had participated in anti-government protests, has been charged with attempted murder and has appeared in court.
In response to the violence, the Pakistani government summoned the Kyrgyz envoy, Melis Moldaliev, demanding protective measures for the students. Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak of Slovakia called for national tolerance and blamed the opposition and media for inciting hatred.
The Pakistani Foreign Office emphasized the importance of the students’ safety, with Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stating that the situation is being monitored round-the-clock. The embassy in Bishkek, in liaison with local law enforcement, continues to ensure the safety of Pakistani students.
The Kyrgyz government has expressed regret over the incidents and pledged to hold an inquiry to punish the perpetrators. The violence has significantly heightened tensions, with the Pakistani government taking swift action to safeguard its nationals abroad.