Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic – The Kyrgyz government issued a warning on Saturday cautioning against the spread of “false information” in foreign media and social media platforms, particularly in Pakistan, following an attack on international students. The ministry of foreign affairs in Kyrgyz Republic emphasized that the situation in Bishkek is calm and fully under control. They urged media, bloggers, and foreign governments to rely only on verified information from Kyrgyz authorities.
The city of Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan experienced a violent attack where hundreds of Kyrgyz men targeted buildings housing foreign students, including those from Pakistan. The police mentioned that the attack was a response to foreigners allegedly beating up locals in the city. In response, Pakistan’s foreign ministry summoned Kyrgyzstan’s top diplomat in Islamabad and handed a note of protest, stressing the need for ensuring the safety and security of Pakistani students and citizens.
According to the Kyrgyz health ministry, four Pakistani students have already received first aid and were discharged, while one student remains under medical care. Pakistan has established emergency hotlines to assist its nationals affected by the violence. In light of these events, India has advised its students in Bishkek to stay indoors and remain in touch with the Indian embassy for assistance.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has been monitoring the situation concerning Indian students in Bishkek and has strongly advised them to maintain communication with the embassy. The Indian embassy has reassured that they are in contact with the students and are closely monitoring the situation, urging students to stay indoors for the time being and reach out to the embassy if needed.
With an estimated 15,000 Indian students in Kyrgyzstan, the exact number of students in Bishkek is currently unknown. Despite the calm in the recent situation, the emphasis on student safety and communication with respective embassies remains crucial in ensuring the well-being of international students. The governments of Pakistan and India are taking proactive measures to support their citizens and students in the wake of the unfortunate events in Bishkek.