The Pakistani and Indian governments on Saturday urged their citizens of Kyrgyzstan to stay at home following mob violence against foreigners.
Hundreds of Kyrgyz men attacked buildings in Bishkek where foreign students, including Pakistani and Indian nationals, reside on Friday. Thousands of Pakistanis and Indians study or work in this Central Asian country.
Several Pakistanis injured after collective violence in Kyrgyzstan
Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Baloch said in an online post on Saturday that four Pakistani nationals were given first aid and released, while another was undergoing treatment for a jaw injury . It is unclear whether any Pakistanis died in the attacks in Kyrgyzstan.
Pakistan’s ambassador to Kyrgyzstan visited the Kyrgyz National Hospital to meet Pakistanis who were receiving medical treatment after the attacks.
Kyrgyzstan was “impressed to take all possible measures to ensure the safety and security of Pakistani students and citizens residing in the Kyrgyz Republic,” Baloch said. Pakistan has handed over a diplomatic note of protest to Kyrgyzstan over the violence.
“Deeply concerned about the situation of Pakistani students in Bishkek,” Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said. “I have requested the Pakistani ambassador to provide all necessary help and assistance. My office is also in touch with the embassy and is constantly monitoring the situation.”
A flight carrying 140 Pakistani students from Bishkek arrived in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore on Saturday, according to the Pakistani Foreign Ministry.
Indian foreign minister ‘monitoring’ student welfare in Bishkek
The Pakistani and Indian governments have set up helplines for Kyrgyz nationals if they need help.
“Monitor the welfare of Indian students in Bishkek. The situation is said to be calm now. Students are strongly advised to stay in regular touch with the embassy,” wrote Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar.
It is not known whether any Indians were injured in the collective violence.
Kyrgyzstan government says situation is under control
Most of the mob attacks took place Friday evening. The Kyrgyz government deployed forces on Friday to quell the violence.
“The authorities of Kyrgyzstan have taken all necessary measures to ensure security and maintain peace and stability. Our law enforcement agencies will resolutely suppress any attempts to violate public order,” the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan said in a press release distributed by 24.kg. Kyrgyz news site.
In another statement cited by local media, the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry accused “the destructive forces of foreign media and social networks, especially in Pakistan” of spreading false information about the violence in Bishkek.
THE Times of India reported that the mob attacks in Kyrgyzstan were sparked by a clash on May 13, when local Kyrgyz students argued with Egyptians and students from Arab countries. The incident reportedly injured a Kyrgyz student, and anti-foreign sentiment has subsequently increased in Kyrgyzstan over the past week.
Both India and Pakistan formally established ties with Kyrgyzstan in 1992, after Kyrgyzstan became an independent country following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
wd/msh (Reuters, AP)
News Source : amp.dw.com
Gn world
