The mob violence that erupted in the Kyrgyzstan capital of Bishkek on Friday night, reportedly, injured over 10 foreign students, including Pakistanis. In the wake of the attack, the Kyrgyz government has cautioned against the spreading of false information and creating panic.
Hasan Zaigham, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan said at least 14 students were injured in the attack. “Six hostels of international students and their private residences were attacked by local extremist elements in Bishkek,” said Zaigham.
He also appealed to the people in Kyrgyzstan not to believe news on social media without verification.
According to Pakistan’s embassy in Bishkek, the attack by locals took place after a video of a fight with Egyptian nationals on May 13 went viral. However, the police claimed that the attack was prompted by foreigners beating up locals in the city. No deaths were reported so far.
The Kyrgyz Ministry of Internal Affairs has issued a press release stating that the situation is under control. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic informs that destructive forces are deliberately disseminating untrue and false information about the situation in the Kyrgyz Republic in foreign mass media and social networks, especially in the territory of Pakistan,” read the statement issued by the ministry.
“The Ministry informs that the situation in the city of Bishkek of the Kyrgyz Republic is calm and under full control, and all necessary measures have been taken to ensure security, maintain peace and stability,” it added.
The violence was described by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar as “extremely concerning”.
Pakistan's foreign ministry on Saturday said it had summoned and handed a note of protest to Kyrgyzstan's top diplomat in response to violence against Pakistani students.
"It was impressed on the Kyrgyz charge d'affaires that the Kyrgyz government should take all possible measures to ensure the safety and security of Pakistani students and citizens," Pakistan's foreign ministry said in a statement.
Emergency hotlines were opened for those affected by the violence. Around four Pakistani students were injured in the attack. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a statement expressed concern over the incident and said Islamabad would fly back any Pakistani citizens who wanted to leave the country immediately.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also advised the Indian students to stay inside and stay in touch with the Indian embassy.
