Islamabad: The Pakistani government has launched a comprehensive response to ensure the safety and security of its citizens in Kyrgyzstan following a series of mob violence incidents targeting foreign nationals, including Pakistani students, in the capital city of Bishkek.
Background:
Since Friday evening, May 17th, 2024, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, has witnessed several incidents of mob violence directed towards foreign students. According to the Pakistani Embassy in Kyrgyzstan, citing Kyrgyz press reports, these attacks were allegedly triggered by online circulation of videos depicting a brawl that erupted on May 13th between Kyrgyz students and medical students from Egypt. This incident highlights the potential dangers of online incitement and its ability to fuel violence against international communities.
Image Credit: ap 7 am.com
Government response:
Diplomatic engagement: The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively engaged with Kyrgyz authorities. Following the violence, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, directed the Foreign Office to formally register deep concern with the Kyrgyz government. The Chargé d'Affaires of the Kyrgyz Embassy in Islamabad was summoned to the Foreign Office for a demarche, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the violence and enhanced security measures to protect Pakistani citizens.
Embassy assistance: The Pakistani Embassy in Kyrgyzstan has activated its emergency response protocols. Dedicated helplines have been established for Pakistani nationals in Kyrgyzstan and their families back home. Embassy staff are actively assisting students caught in the violence, providing information and support.
Crisis Management Unit: Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the Foreign Office has activated its Crisis Management Unit (CMU). This dedicated unit is tasked with monitoring the situation in Kyrgyzstan around the clock and providing comprehensive assistance to Pakistani nationals. The CMU serves as a central point of contact for both Pakistani citizens in Kyrgyzstan and their families seeking information and support.
Current Situation:
According to the Kyrgyz Health Ministry, five Pakistanis received medical attention. Four students received first aid and were discharged, while one student is currently undergoing treatment for a jaw injury sustained during the violence.
Unreliable and unverified information
The country's government also urged foreign diplomatic missions not to disseminate "unreliable and unverified information" as the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Almaz Imangaziev met with Pakistani Ambassador Hassan Ali Zaigam at the Ministry on Saturday.
"The minister also asked the Pakistani side to conduct explanatory work among representatives of the Pakistani mass media on the non-dissemination of inaccurate information on the incident," said the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry.
Looking forward:
The Pakistani government remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad. The Foreign Office's CMU will continue to monitor the situation in Kyrgyzstan and work with the Kyrgyz government to ensure the safety of Pakistani nationals residing in the country. The Pakistani government also urges social media platforms to take responsibility for preventing the spread of inflammatory content that can incite violence.
Contact information:
Pakistani nationals in Kyrgyzstan or their families:
Crisis Management Unit (CMU):Phone: 051-9203108 / 051-9203094
Email: cmu1@mofa.gov.pk
Media Inquiries: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson's Office
Pakistani Embassy in Kyrgyzstan Emergency Numbers (24/7):
+996550730550
+996501140874
+996555554476
+996507567667