540 Pakistani students would return from Kyrgyzstan tonight: Dar

LAHORE, May 19 (SABAH): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar has said three special planes will bring back a total of 540 Pakistani students from Bishkek tonight.

Addressing a news conference in Lahore on Sunday, he said an additional special plane of PAF having capacity of 130 passengers has also been dispatched to bring back more students.

He said sixteen students from different countries including five Pakistanis were injured in incidents of violence. The Deputy Prime Minister said that 130 Pakistani students have already returned.

He said that Foreign Minister of Kyrgyz Republic has assured that situation is completely under control in Bishkek and on the request of Kyrgyz Government, they cancelled the visit.

Ishaq Dar said the violent incidents amongst students in Bishkek were not exclusively against Pakistani students. He said that two senior officers have been sent to Kyrgyzstan to deal with this issue.

He regretted that some political elements are exploiting situation on social media to spread baseless propaganda.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar said that Pakistan and Kyrgyz Republic enjoy cordial and friendly relations.

He said the Prime Minister’s Office and Foreign Office immediately came into action after the violent incident was reported and an Emergency Response Cell was established to deal with the situation.

He regretted that using this incident for political point scoring is sad and condemnable. He said that the government will not let any Pakistani feeling insecure and alone abroad.

Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Engineer Amir Muqam said that it is our responsibility to facilitate Pakistani students who want to return home. He said that the government is taking all possible measures to bring back Pakistani students willing to repatriate.