Reports of a violent clash between local and foreign students have emerged in the capital city of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. According to reports circulating in Pakistani media, three Pakistani students lost their lives in this incident.
The Pakistani students claim that they did not receive any assistance from their country's embassy.
According to Kyrgyzstani media reports, tensions escalated after a video of a fight between Kyrgyz and Egyptian medical students on May 13 surfaced online. Subsequently, the situation worsened, and local students began targeting foreign students.
The Indian embassy has also issued an advisory for its students. The Indian Embassy in Kyrgyzstan posted on social media, "We are in contact with our students. The situation is currently calm, but students are advised to stay indoors and contact the embassy in case of any problems. Our 24x7 contact number is 0555710041."
Foreign Minister S Jaishankar tweeted, "Monitoring the situation of Indian students in Bishkek, it is reported that peace has been restored. Students are advised to stay in regular contact with the embassy."
According to reports from Kyrgyz media, there has been an attack on private residences of students, including those from Pakistan and other countries, near medical education institutions in Bishkek.
These residences accommodate students from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other nations.
It has been reported that some female Pakistani students were harassed by Kyrgyz students. Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif confirmed the attacks on his country's students in a post on social media.
Pm Sharif wrote, "I am concerned about the incident involving Pakistani students in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. I have instructed the Pakistani Embassy to provide the necessary assistance and support. My office is also in contact with the embassy and monitoring the situation closely."
There are reports of minor injuries to several Pakistani students. It has not been entirely clear yet what caused this violence between groups of students in the Kyrgyz capital.
Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has posted several videos on social media, showing crowds walking and running on the streets at night.
PTI tagged Pakistan's Foreign Ministry in a post on X, writing, "Disturbing reports are emerging from Kyrgyzstan where thousands of Pakistani students are under attack, with incidents of violence and deaths. Immediate and effective measures should be taken to ensure the safety of all Pakistani students."