ISLAMABAD: On Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar announced the formation of an inquiry committee to investigate the mob violence in Bishkek, where Pakistani nationals, including students, were attacked.
Committee and Investigation
The committee, led by Additional Secretary Administration Muhammad Saleem, will examine last week’s violence in Bishkek. It aims to complete its report within two weeks.
Incident Details
At least five Pakistani students were injured during the violence. The conflict began after a harassment incident involving Egyptian students on May 13.
Visit to Bishkek
Dar visited Bishkek to address the concerns of Pakistani students targeted in the attacks. Pakistan increased the evacuation of its students from Bishkek, with over 3,000 returning home so far.
Meetings and Assurances
In Bishkek, Dar met with his Kyrgyz counterpart, Kulubaev Zheenbek Moldokanovich. He discussed the students’ situation with the Kyrgyz foreign minister in Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana. “The Kyrgyz FM assured me there is nothing to worry about,” Dar stated during a press conference.
Hospital Visit
The deputy premier visited the hospital where injured Pakistani students were receiving treatment.
Assurances from Kyrgyz President
In Islamabad, Dar informed the media that the Kyrgyz president assured him he would not tolerate such incidents and that those responsible had been arrested.
Pakistani Workers in Kyrgyzstan
Pakistani Ambassador Hassan Zaigham informed Dar that at least 1,100 workers had arrived in Kyrgyzstan through agents and were living there without visas, employed in various factories. Dar requested the Kyrgyz government to issue visas to these workers instead of deporting them. The Kyrgyz deputy prime minister assured him regarding the issuance of visas.
Students’ Concerns
Dar noted that students were frightened following the riots in Bishkek. “Students in their final year should come back after completing their degree,” Dar said.
