A flight carrying Pakistani students departed from Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, heading to Lahore, Pakistan. The foreign airline’s flight is expected to land in Lahore at 11 o’clock tonight, bringing 180 passengers back to Pakistan.
This flight marks the beginning of a series of planned evacuations. According to sources, another flight from Kyrgyzstan is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan tomorrow, continuing the repatriation of Pakistani students. For the next week, a flight will depart daily from Bishkek, ensuring the safe return of Pakistani students who have been caught in the midst of recent unrest.
The situation in Kyrgyzstan has become increasingly precarious for foreign students, including Pakistanis. Riots and fights among student groups have escalated, resulting in attacks on hostels and apartments housing foreign students. In response to these alarming developments, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken decisive action. He has directed Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to travel to Kyrgyzstan to address the situation personally.
Prime Minister Sharif expressed his deep concern over the violence against foreign students in Kyrgyzstan, emphasizing that Pakistan will not abandon its citizens in their time of need. He has mandated that the Pakistani Embassy in Kyrgyzstan ensures the provision of the best possible medical care for injured students and facilitates the immediate return of those who wish to come back to Pakistan, all at the government’s expense.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi will be present at Lahore Airport to welcome the returning students. This gesture underscores the Pakistani government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad.
The decision to send high-ranking officials to Kyrgyzstan reflects the gravity of the situation. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Foreign Minister will leave for Bishkek tomorrow morning on a special plane. During their visit, they will hold meetings with senior Kyrgyz officials to discuss the situation and ensure the safety of Pakistani students. Additionally, they will oversee the provision of medical facilities to injured students and review the repatriation process.
This response follows a series of violent incidents in Kyrgyzstan that have left many Pakistani families worried about the safety of their loved ones. Videos and reports have surfaced, showing the severity of the riots and the targeted attacks on foreign students. In light of these events, the Pakistani government has acted swiftly to bring its students home and provide them with necessary support.
The coordinated effort to evacuate students and provide medical aid is a testament to the government’s dedication to its citizens. This operation not only aims to ensure the immediate safety of Pakistani students but also seeks to maintain strong diplomatic relations with Kyrgyzstan by addressing the situation through diplomatic channels.
As the first batch of students arrives in Lahore, their return marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to safeguard Pakistani nationals abroad. The government’s comprehensive approach, involving high-level diplomatic intervention and logistical coordination, highlights the importance placed on the welfare of its citizens.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directives emphasize the need for swift and effective action in crisis situations. His commitment to ensuring the best treatment for injured students and facilitating their return is a clear message that the Pakistani government stands firmly behind its people, regardless of where they are in the world.
The situation in Kyrgyzstan serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by students and expatriates in foreign countries. It underscores the necessity of having robust support systems in place for Pakistani citizens abroad. The current crisis has prompted a reevaluation of these systems, aiming to enhance the safety and security measures for future contingencies.
As the evacuation continues over the coming days, the focus will remain on ensuring the safe return of all Pakistani students from Kyrgyzstan. The government’s actions have provided reassurance to worried families and set a precedent for how such crises will be managed in the future. The return of these students will not only bring relief to their families but will also be a testament to the resilience and solidarity of the Pakistani community in times of adversity.
