On May 19, 2024, 180 students arrived in Lahore, Pakistan, on a special flight from Bishkek.
Pakistani media outlet PTV News highlights that this is the first flight, and authorities may continue evacuating students from the capital of Kyrgyzstan.
The students were welcomed at the airport by the Federal Minister for Interior of Pakistan.
Additionally, Dawn reports that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Isaac Dar, and the Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Amir Mukam, will arrive in Bishkek on May 19, as per the Prime Minister's instructions.
"The Prime Minister has asked him to visit the hostels of Pakistani students and meet with them," the Prime Minister's office statement reads.
Hassan Zaigham, the Pakistani Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, informed the Prime Minister that the students are "safe," and the Pakistani Embassy is assisting those affected by the violence. He also instructed immediate measures to be taken for the four injured Pakistani students who wished to return to Pakistan, according to the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic.
"Due to the mass disturbances around the student hostels in Bishkek, the Embassy strongly recommends that all Pakistani students in Bishkek stay at home until the situation normalizes. We are in contact with local law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of our student community," wrote the Ambassador.
On the night of May 18, the Bishkek police raised the alarm and mobilized all personnel as around 300 young men decided to seek revenge on foreigners after a mass brawl. The police set up cordons and tried to contain the crowd. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kyrgyzstan reconstructed the full chronology of events.
The authorities of Kyrgyzstan did not disclose the nationality of the foreigners who were the "main characters" of the night riots. However, judging by the reaction of Pakistani officials, the victims are their citizens. The disorder was commented on by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shahbaz Sharif. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan also made a statement regarding the international scandal.
