Forced Evictions, Violence Threaten Pakistani Students in Kyrgyzstan

News Desk 

Islamabad: Following recent attacks on Pakistani students in Kyrgyzstan, students are being forcibly evicted from hostels, leading to a heightened sense of insecurity.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to immediately travel to Bishkek to address the situation.

According to the details, local extremist elements attacked student hostels in Kyrgyzstan on Saturday, injuring several students. These attacks have left Pakistani students stranded in Bishkek.

According to media reports, Pakistani students are being forcibly evicted from hostels by local extremists, leaving them in a state of destitution as they search for safe places. Some students are confined to their hostel rooms, facing severe shortages of food and water.

‘Students Under Siege’

A student trapped in a hostel room in Bishkek told Dawn News that attackers broke into apartments throughout the night, assaulting foreign students with iron chairs and rods.

One student was dragged from the sixth floor to the first floor and later taken to the hospital for a CT scan by the hostel administration. 

She stated that many students are injured, some critically, and most of them are Pakistani. They spent the entire day locked in their rooms with the lights and windows shut.

When asked about security in the hostel, the student said there are one or two security guards, but the assailants broke windows and doors to get inside because they were numerous. The police did not stop them, she added. 

Another student told Dawn News that they are not concerned about food and drink because no one knows what will happen next. She claimed that they tried to contact the Pakistani embassy all night, but no one answered the calls.

She urged the embassy to at least check on the students’ conditions, as they do not feel safe at all.

‘Injured Students Seek Help’

A student from Lahore in Bishkek told Dawn News that over 30 students have been injured, with some sustaining serious injuries. They are being reassured that everything is fine, but nothing has improved. The attacks are still ongoing, and the assailants knock on doors periodically.

He mentioned that police quickly arrived at the hostel for Indian students, preventing any intrusion there, but significant damage occurred at the Pakistani students’ hostel, with girls facing extreme harassment.

He demanded that the government arrange for the students’ immediate return to Pakistan, ensuring their safety through organized flights.

‘Students Forced Out’

A student told Geo News that some students are being evicted from their apartments, with landlords asking them to leave. These students are left wandering with nowhere to go, and the Pakistani embassy should at least arrange accommodation and food for them.

He claimed that Pakistani diplomats are either unaware of the situation or concealing it, as many students are severely injured, with evidence of them being dragged on the streets. Women have been harassed, and students are being intimidated in their rooms, while the state remains unresponsive.

The student also urged the government to arrange flights to safely bring students back to Pakistan, as it is impossible to provide security to 10,000 students in Kyrgyzstan.

‘Ishaq Dar Visits Bishkek’

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decided to send Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Bishkek. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Maqam, will depart for Bishkek on a special flight early in the morning.

In a statement, it was mentioned that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif monitored the situation throughout the day, remained in contact with the Pakistani ambassador in Bishkek, and decided to send a delegation to provide necessary support and facilities to the Pakistani students.

The Foreign Minister will meet with high-ranking officials in Bishkek to ensure medical treatment for injured students and review arrangements for their safe return to Pakistan.

‘140 students Arrives in Pakistan’

Following the attacks, the repatriation of Pakistani students from Kyrgyzstan began, with the first flight carrying 180 passengers, including 140 students, arriving in Lahore. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi welcomed the students at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore. 

The Interior Minister reassured the students and informed them that their safety is the government’s top priority. More flights will arrive from Bishkek, bringing back more students.

He stated that Pakistani students in Kyrgyzstan are the nation’s children, and the Prime Minister took immediate action to ensure their safety.

Students from other cities will also be provided with transportation. The Interior Minister confirmed that the remaining students in Kyrgyzstan will also be brought back to Pakistan.