Special Flights
Hundreds of Pakistani students stranded amidst mob violence in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, are scheduled to return home via special flights, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Sunday.
Following a violent altercation between local and Egyptian students on May 13, several international students, including Pakistanis, became targets of mob attacks.
Amid escalating tensions, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed the Pakistani Ambassador in Kyrgyzstan, Hasan Ali Zaigham, to facilitate the repatriation of Pakistani students.
A flight carrying the first batch of around 130 students arrived at Lahore airport late Saturday night. Dar stated that an additional 540 students are slated to return to Pakistan today.
The Premier emphasized prioritizing the evacuation of injured students and their families. He assured that the government will cover all expenses related to the flights.
Despite reports of violence, the Kyrgyz Deputy Foreign Minister, Imangaziev Almaz, assured Ambassador Zaigham that the situation was under control, with heightened security measures in place to ensure the safety of foreign students.
Almaz also pledged full assistance for any student wishing to return home, even if the situation stabilizes.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Dar and Federal Minister for Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan Affairs, Amir Muqam, had plans to visit Bishkek to assess the situation firsthand, but their trip was postponed after assurances from the Kyrgyz Foreign Minister regarding the situation’s control.
In a separate development, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur extended support for students from the province, offering to cover their expenses for a safe return.
He commended the Kyrgyz government’s efforts to safeguard Pakistani students and reiterated the KP government’s commitment to their welfare.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs activated its Crisis Management Unit and provided emergency helpline numbers for Pakistani students and their families.
Despite the assurance of security measures, students reported ongoing violence and expressed frustration over the lack of support from the Pakistani embassy. The situation remains tense, with students advised to stay indoors for their safety.
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