Attack on Foreign Students in Bishkek, KGZ:
In the wake of an attack on hostels (students) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (KGZ), a significant number of Pakistani students have recently rushed back to their home country. The incident, which took place on May 17 and lasted for over six hours, resulted in more than 30 injuries as a mob targeted the hostels occupied by international students.
During a news conference, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reassured that the Kyrgyz authorities had the situation under control. He confirmed that some Pakistani students had been injured in the violence and dismissed rumors that there had been any fatalities. Despite this, Dar acknowledged the concerns of the 11,000 Pakistani students in Kyrgyzstan and their families. He announced that the government would facilitate the return of all students who wished to come back, covering their expenses. However, some Pakistani students in Bishkek claimed they had to pay for their return tickets themselves.
Event of May 17:
On the night of May 17, a disturbing incident unfolded in Bishkek involving a large group of locals marching towards the VIP Hostel, where more than 800 international students reside. Despite warnings from the administration and alerts on Whats App groups, the crowd managed to breach the premises and engage in acts of vandalism. The lack of riot gear among the police officials present made the situation even more challenging for the frightened students inside.
A confrontation occurred on May 13 between Kyrgyz residents and a cohort of foreign students, which caused the outbreak of violence. Hassan Aryani, a Pakistani medical student, mentioned that footage of the altercation spread rapidly among the student community in the city. Coming from Mardan, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Aryani observed a noticeable unease among the student body in Bishkek after the initial clash. By the evening of May 17, this tension escalated into a violent mob incident.
