Foreign Nationals in Kyrgyzstan's Bishkek Advised to Stay Indoors as Mob Violence Erupts

 **Pakistani Students Targeted in Bishkek Mob Violence, Five Injured**

Pakistani students in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, were among several foreign nationals who faced mob violence late Friday night, resulting in injuries to at least five Pakistanis, officials from Pakistan reported on Saturday.

Kyrgyz police stated they had mobilized forces in the Central Asian nation's capital to quell the violence, where hundreds of Kyrgyz men attacked buildings housing foreign students, including Pakistanis.

**Incident Overview**

- Locals attacked international students after a video of a fight with Egyptian nationals went viral on social media.

- Kyrgyz media described the violence as a “protest against foreigners.”

- The Kyrgyz deputy prime minister met with Pakistan’s ambassador and assured that the situation was under control.

- The Pakistan Embassy confirmed five Pakistani injuries and advised nationals to remain indoors, with India issuing similar instructions.

- The Foreign Office (FO) handed a demarche to the Kyrgyz envoy.

- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered Kashmir Affairs Minister Amir Muqam to visit Bishkek.

According to Pakistan’s Embassy in Bishkek, foreign students were attacked following an altercation with Egyptian nationals on May 13. The cause of the initial fight remains unclear.

Kyrgyz media outlet 24.kg reported that a “spontaneous protest against foreigners” in Bishkek ended after police reached an agreement with the rioters, who dispersed subsequently. The Kyrgyz health ministry reported 29 injuries, while the foreign ministry stated that 14 foreigners were discharged from hospitals post-treatment.

The Pakistani embassy in Bishkek confirmed no deaths and mentioned that the Kyrgyz Ministry of Internal Affairs had assured that the situation was under control.

**Responses and Reactions**

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Hasan Zaigham, posted a video update on social media platform X, stating that local extremists attacked six hostels and private residences of international students, injuring 14. He noted that one Pakistani student, Shahzeb, was hospitalized but in stable condition.

Zaigham mentioned that the Kyrgyz government had assured the safety of foreigners, with active police measures in place. He confirmed that some suspects had been arrested and that embassy officials had responded to over 500 calls from concerned Pakistanis.

In an interview with Geo News, Zaigham noted that Bishkek’s situation was normalizing by 6 a.m., with regular traffic, open markets, and functioning public transportation. However, he acknowledged the panic among Pakistani and international students.

**Contradictory Accounts**

Student Hamid Tariq contradicted the ambassador’s reassurances, claiming that while the day was calm, social media indicated potential gatherings and risks of further attacks. Tariq emphasized that Pakistani students were still confined indoors and some were expelled from their accommodations, urging the embassy to address food and shelter issues.

Pakistani medical student Dr. Muhammad Taqi from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa echoed Tariq’s concerns, describing the readiness among students for a potential second attack and criticizing the delayed federal response.

**Government Actions**

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed Kashmir Affairs Minister Amir Muqam to travel to Bishkek to support Pakistani students. The Prime Minister’s Office assured that Muqam would listen to student concerns and ensure their well-being. The embassy was instructed to provide the best treatment for the injured and facilitate the return of students wishing to go back to Pakistan at government expense.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the embassy would not abandon Pakistani students during this crisis and urged officials to prioritize their immediate return if desired.