Dar arrives in Bishkek to take up Pakistani nationals’ concerns after mob violence

• FM arrives in Kyrgyz capital for a working visit: Foreign Office.
• Dar, Kyrgyz FM travelled together from Astana to Bishkek.
• DPM to discuss with Kyrgyz FM concerns of Pakistani nationals.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday arrived in Kyrgyzstan’s capital Bishkek to discuss the “concerns” of Pakistani students who among other foreign nationals suffered mob attacks by locals last week. 

The visit comes as Pakistan has ramped up evacuations of its students from Bishkek after violent mobs of locals targeted foreign nationals last week, with over 800 pupils returned to the country so far.

At least five Pakistani students suffered injuries in the attacks triggered by a brawl between Kyrgyz and Egyptian students, prompting mob attacks on hostels of medical universities and private lodgings of international students, including Pakistanis, in the city.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Foreign Office said the foreign minister arrived in the Kyrgyz capital for a working visit.

“He was invited to visit the Kyrgyz Republic by Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Zheenbek Kulubaev after their meeting yesterday in Astana, Kazakhstan on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers,” the FO statement said.

It said the two ministers travelled together from Astana to Bishkek.

In Bishkek, the deputy PM will discuss with the Kyrgyz FM the concerns of Pakistani nationals in the Central Asian country, including the recent issues faced by Pakistani students.

“The Deputy Prime Minister is also expected to meet with the Pakistani national who remains under treatment for injuries as a result of the recent developments,” the statement said.

A day earlier, Dar held a meeting with his Kyrgyz counterpart in Astana, Kazakhstan on the sidelines of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) moot.

During the meeting, Dar urged the Kyrgyz FM to take swift action against the perpetrators involved in the recent attacks on Pakistani students in Kyrgyzstan.

The meeting focused on the recent developments in Bishkek and the welfare of Pakistani nationals there.

Recalling their telephone conversation of yesterday on the same subject, the deputy prime minister underlined that Pakistan’s main concern was the security and well-being of its nationals, especially the students who were primarily affected by the developments of Friday.

He shared the feelings of insecurity and fear among the Pakistani students and requested Foreign Minister Kulubaev to ensure their safety and security.

He also requested holding to account those responsible for the attacks on Pakistani students.

FM Kulubaev shared that the Kyrgyz government had taken swift action to restore law and order, and the perpetrators of the mob riots would be punished under the Kyrgyz law.

He reassured the deputy prime minister about the safety and security of Pakistani nationals and full facilitation for the safe repatriation of students who wish to return to Pakistan.