[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]**BISHKEK** – At least three Pakistani students have reportedly died, and hundreds have been injured in a targeted attack by violent mobs during a standoff between locals and Egyptian students in Kyrgyzstan’s capital.
International media reported that police were deployed overnight in parts of Bishkek as large crowds gathered in anger over an alleged altercation between locals and foreigners.
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During the violent clashes, Pakistani students were also attacked. Advisor for Information in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Barrister Saif, claimed that three Pakistani students were killed.
Students living in the Central Asian nation confirmed the riots, stating that attacks on Pakistani student hostels have resulted in multiple injuries.
Victims reported that female students are also being harassed, with violence occurring in hostels targeting both male and female students.
With 10,000 Pakistanis studying in Kyrgyzstan, many took to social media, urging the government to protect them. Some students lamented that the police were not helping international students amid the tensions.
The Pakistani Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan issued an advisory for students, asking them to remain indoors until the situation stabilizes and to stay in contact with local law enforcement authorities. He mentioned taking measures to ensure the students’ safety. Foreign Office spokeswoman Mumtaz Zahra Baloch also acknowledged the embassy’s message and confirmed that they are in contact with Kyrgyz authorities.
“The protection of Pakistanis is of utmost importance,” Baloch said.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]