Pakistani students in Kyrgyzstan’s Bishkek
After some violent events happened in Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan, where international students, including Pakistanis, were hurt, the Pakistani Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan talked with the Kyrgyz Deputy Foreign Minister about keeping Pakistani people safe when they’re outside their country.
Now that things are calmer after what happened on May 13, it’s really important to talk about what’s being done to help Pakistani students in Kyrgyzstan feel safe and make sure any possible dangers are reduced.
Understanding the Situation:
The recent violence worried students and diplomats. But it’s a relief that Kyrgyz authorities confirmed no Pakistani students were harmed. This helps calm fears and emphasizes the importance of sharing accurate information during such uncertain times.
Diplomatic Engagement:
In a meeting between Ambassador Zaigham and the Kyrgyz Deputy Foreign Minister, they talked a lot about keeping Pakistani people safe. Ambassador Zaigham, who speaks for Pakistan, said it’s really important to have strong security to protect Pakistani students in Kyrgyzstan. After the meeting, the Kyrgyz minister promised to handle things well and punish the people who caused trouble.
Response and Assistance:
Quick help during emergencies is really important. It’s good news that all fourteen injured foreign people, including some Pakistani students, got medical help right away. Despite what people are saying on social media, there’s no proof that any Pakistani students died or were sexually assaulted. Some got minor injuries during the violence, but they got medical help quickly, which is reassuring.
Coordination with Local Authorities:
Because some students are worried about not getting enough help from the embassy during the trouble, Ambassador Zaigham suggested that Pakistani students stay inside until things get better. They promised to work with the local police to keep Pakistani students safe in Kyrgyzstan. Pakistan’s Foreign Office also told the Kyrgyz authorities they’re worried, and the Kyrgyz authorities said they’ll investigate the incidents carefully and punish the people who caused trouble.
Support from Pakistan:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken proactive measures by instructing the ambassador to provide assistance to students affected by the unrest. This includes covering travel expenses for those needing to return to Pakistan. Such support from the government underscores its commitment to the safety and well-being of its citizens, even when they are abroad.
Continuous Assistance:
In times of crisis, accessibility to support services is crucial. The Pakistani embassy in Kyrgyzstan continues to provide emergency contact numbers and remains accessible round the clock to support Pakistani students. This proactive approach ensures that students have access to the assistance they need, whenever they need it.
The embassy shared these contact numbers for students to call if they need help in an emergency: +996555554476, +996507567667, +996550730550, and +996501140874.
You can also contact CMU at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad for assistance at these numbers: 0519203108 and 0519203094. You can email CMU at cmu1@mofa.gov.pk. These numbers and email are available all day, every day.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the recent incidents in Bishkek serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of international students, including those from Pakistan. Through diplomatic engagement, prompt response, and continuous assistance, efforts are being made to address the concerns and ensure the safety of Pakistani students in Kyrgyzstan. Moving forward, collaborative efforts between governments and diplomatic missions will be crucial in preventing such incidents and ensuring a safe environment for all students studying abroad.
