140 Pakistani Students Transferred on Special Flight from Kyrgyzstan to Lahore

Following violent clashes on Friday night against foreign nationals in Bishkek, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority announced through video footage that 180 Pakistanis, including 140 students, arrived at Lahore Airport from Kyrgyzstan on a special flight. On Saturday, May 18, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi welcomed these students and other Pakistani citizens at Lahore Airport. Pakistani aviation officials told Radio Mashaal that another special flight would take place on Sunday. According to this report, a Pakistani delegation is also set to travel to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, on Sunday. Kyrgyz officials reported that following a protest gathering on Friday evening, '28 people, including three foreign nationals,' were injured in the nighttime clashes in Bishkek. Kamchibek Tashiev, the head of the National Security Committee of Kyrgyzstan, announced on Saturday that 'this incident occurred following protests by citizens of this country, mostly aged between 18 and 25, against the increase of migrant workers in the country.' The Kyrgyz Ministry of Interior stated that 'three foreign nationals' have been arrested in connection with this incident, and a criminal case has been opened against them for 'rioting.' The clashes reportedly began after a video of a fight in the courtyard of a guesthouse in Bishkek, involving 'foreigners,' was circulated on social media. The ministry noted that the number of individuals who gathered outside this guesthouse reached 'a thousand,' prompting police to be put on alert. Alimkadir Bishnaliev, the Kyrgyz Minister of Health, also reported that three foreign nationals are receiving treatment after the clashes, without specifying their nationalities. The Pakistani embassy denied reports of the deaths of three Pakistani citizens, stating that '14 Pakistani citizens' were injured in this incident. The Pakistani government has also stated that it has been in contact with the Kyrgyz government to ensure the safety of its citizens in the country following the recent clashes. Kyrgyz officials expressed regret over the violent clashes against foreign nationals, including Pakistani citizens, and committed to investigating and punishing those responsible. However, it appears that the head of the National Security Committee has criticized foreign workers, stating that Kyrgyzstan is grappling with an 'influx' of illegal migrants, mostly from Pakistan and Bangladesh, many of whom 'violate the law.' Mr. Tashiev further accused Pakistani and Bangladeshi migrants of being among the 'lawbreakers.'