Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has confirmed that by Wednesday night, a minimum of 4,036 Pakistani students will be returning to Pakistan from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
In his recent media briefing following his visit to the Kyrgyz capital, Dar addressed the concerning situation of recent mob attacks on international students, including Pakistanis, triggered by a brawl on May 13.
Dar expressed gratitude to his Kyrgyz counterpart, Jeenbek Kulubaev, for swiftly arranging his return from Astana to Bishkek. He also visited Shahzaib, a Pakistani student injured during the attacks, who expressed a desire to return to Pakistan for further medical treatment.
Upon Dar’s request, Kyrgyz authorities agreed to facilitate his prompt departure. Despite the opportunity to stay overnight in Bishkek, Dar declined due to his scheduled travel to Tehran for the funeral of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.
Dar shared that the Kyrgyz president has publicly condemned such incidents, emphasizing the significant contributions of foreign students and workers to the Kyrgyz economy.
Regarding repatriation efforts, Dar provided an update, noting that 3,233 students have already returned, with 513 on federal government-arranged flights and 290 on a special flight organized by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Additionally, Dar announced the formation of an inquiry committee tasked with evaluating Islamabad’s response during the crisis. This committee will work closely with Pakistani and Kyrgyz authorities and is expected to deliver its findings within two weeks.
Dar also addressed the plight of approximately 1,100 Pakistani workers in Kyrgyzstan, urging the Kyrgyz government to regularize their status instead of resorting to deportation. He stressed their positive contributions to the economy and their adherence to the law. Dar’s Kyrgyz counterpart has pledged to honor this request and initiate the necessary procedures with relevant departments.
