ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized to Kyrgyz counterpart Jeenbek Kulubaev the urgency of taking decisive measures against the individuals responsible for the recent assaults on Pakistani students in the capital city of Bishkek.
FM Dar, having earlier arrived in Astana, Kazakhstan, for the routine gathering of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), engaged in discussions with the Kyrgyz FM.
Their discourse primarily revolved around the unfolding events in Bishkek and the welfare of Pakistani citizens residing there.
Reflecting on their prior telephonic exchange concerning the same matter, Dar underscored Pakistan’s paramount concern for the safety and welfare of its citizens, particularly the students who bore the brunt of the events on Friday evening.
He conveyed the prevailing sense of insecurity and apprehension among Pakistani students and implored FM Kulubaev to guarantee their protection and safety, while also urging accountability for those who perpetrated the assaults on Pakistani students.
FM Kulubaev disclosed that the Kyrgyz government had swiftly taken action to restore law and order, with plans to mete out justice to the instigators of the violent unrest in accordance with Kyrgyz law.
He reassured the deputy PM regarding the safety and security of Pakistani nationals, pledging full assistance for the safe repatriation of students desiring to return to Pakistan.
Dar lauded the Kyrgyz government’s efforts, including those of the health department and law enforcement agencies, expressing gratitude to FM Kulubaev for ensuring essential healthcare and security aid to Pakistani students. He stressed the importance of maintaining close collaboration between the two nations in this regard.
The Foreign Office (FO) reported that bilateral relations between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan in the spheres of energy, connectivity, trade, and people-to-people exchanges were also deliberated upon, with both dignitaries expressing contentment at the progress achieved through established bilateral institutional mechanisms.
Amidst these developments, another flight transporting Pakistani students from Bishkek landed at Islamabad International Airport today.
The students were welcomed by Kashmir Affairs Minister Amir Muqam, who inquired about their well-being and assured them of the government’s unwavering support for those opting to return to Pakistan, pledging additional flights for the purpose.
“Our foremost priority is the security of Pakistani students. We are committed to safeguarding the lives and property of Pakistanis in all circumstances,” Muqam affirmed.
He highlighted the swift actions taken by the prime minister to protect Pakistani students following the incident and his personal oversight of the situation.
Elsewhere, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar affirmed the government’s commitment to facilitating the return of students from Bishkek.
Speaking to the media at Allama Iqbal International Airport, where he greeted 170 Pakistani students arriving on a special flight from Bishkek, the minister underscored the government’s steadfast focus.
He noted the arrival of the fourth flight from Kyrgyz local airline Aero Nomad, bringing the total number of returning students to 540.
Tarar emphasized the government’s dedicated attention to the well-being of returning students, expressing gratitude for their unharmed status.
The minister revealed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s constant engagement with the Pakistani ambassador in Kyrgyzstan and prompt actions to address student concerns.
“The government is determined to ensure the safety and education of Pakistani students, with plans to repatriate them once the situation stabilizes to enable completion of their studies,” he added.
He reiterated the presence of ministers at airports to welcome returning students as per the prime minister’s directive, ensuring their reassurance and support.
Tarar advocated for the responsible handling of the situation, mentioning arrangements for a special flight to bring back injured students.
Earlier, he welcomed arriving students with floral gestures, reassuring their families of the government’s commitment to resolving their issues promptly and efficiently.
Meanwhile, the Pakistani embassy in Kyrgyzstan circulated a form for Pakistani students wishing to return home to share their contact details.
In a post on X, it indicated that student information would be verified prior to departure.
Separately, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Higher Education Meena Khan Afridi announced plans to repatriate students stranded in Kyrgyzstan through special flights.
He pledged personal reception of the students in Peshawar alongside KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Finance Minister Muzamil Aslam, and MNA Faisal Amin Gandapur.
Afridi revealed the provision of a mobile number for registration of those stranded, emphasizing their return on a first-come, first-served basis.
Aslam disclosed the allocation of Rs60 million by the provincial government for student repatriation, with additional funds earmarked as registrations increase.
He clarified the universal applicability of the provided contact number, catering to students from all provinces.
GB CM advocates FO prioritization of student return
Meanwhile, Gilgit-Baltistan spokesperson Faizullah Faraq highlighted the submission of a list to the FO for the safe return of 80 GB students stranded in Kyrgyzstan, notably comprising a significant number of females.
Faraq conveyed GB CM Haji Gulbar’s urgency communicated to the FO for effective measures facilitating their safe return.
In a letter addressed to the FO, CM Gulbar emphasized the immediate provision of food and medical aid to students facing dire circumstances, stressing their priority rescue.
He insisted on post-rescue arrangements ensuring their safe repatriation to allay parental concerns.
Faraq detailed discussions between the GB government and Pakistani ambassador Hassan Ali Zaigham on the students’ safe return.
Repatriation Efforts
On Saturday, the first batch of Pakistani students from the Kyrgyz capital arrived at Allama Iqbal International Airport, where they were received by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
“Transportation will be arranged for students from other cities. Pakistani students in Kyrgyzstan are the pride of the nation. The prime minister acted promptly to safeguard them following the incident,” Naqvi remarked.
On Sunday, over 350 students landed in Lahore and Islamabad, with each plane carrying 180 students.
At Islamabad airport, students from flight KA 4575, arriving at 7:45 pm, were welcomed by federal minister Musadik Malik, while in Lahore, Tarar greeted students from flight KA 6571, arriving at 8:15 pm. Families present at the airports rejoiced at the safe return of their loved ones.
The Civil Aviation Authority facilitated immigration procedures and provided transportation upon arrival. The federal government, as per the prime minister’s instructions, will cover the expenses of these special flights.
Assault on Hostels
Zaigham provided an update via X on Saturday regarding the situation in the Central Asian state. He cited “local extremist elements” targeting six hostels housing international students and their residences in Bishkek, resulting in 14 injuries.
“In light of mob violence around student hostels in Bishkek, the embassy advises all Pakistani students there to remain indoors until normalcy is restored. We are coordinating with local law enforcement to ensure our student community’s safety,” the ambassador stated.
FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch echoed the envoy’s message, emphasizing the embassy’s coordination with Kyrgyz authorities given the paramount importance of student safety.
The FO affirmed ongoing liaison with Kyrgyz authorities to safeguard the well-being of its nationals amidst the unrest.