Govt of Pakistan in contact with Kyrghyz govt to ensure safety of its nationals: MOFA

ISLAMABAD, May 18 (SABAH): The government of Pakistan has been in contact with the Kyrghyz government to ensure the safety and security of its nationals at risk in view of the mob riots of last night in the Kyrghyz Republic.

The Kyrghyz authorities have expressed regret at the incidents of violence against foreign nationals including Pakistanis in Bishkek last night. They have also pledged to hold an inquiry and punish the perpetrators.

Embassy of Pakistan has opened emergency helplines and responding to queries of students and their families. Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic Hassan Ali Zaigham has been in close contact with senior Kyrgyz authorities. According to the Kyrgyz Health Ministry, four Pakistanis were provided first aid and discharged while one is under treatment for jaw injury.

Charge d’affaires of the Kyrgyz Embassy Melis Moldaliev was called to the Foreign Office for a demarche by Director General (ECO & CARs)  Aizaz Khan. He was conveyed the deep concerns of the Government of Pakistan about the reports of last night’s incidents against Pakistani students studying in the Kyrgyz Republic. It was impressed on the Kyrgyz Charge d’affaires that the Kyrgyz government should take all possible measures to ensure the safety and security of Pakistani students and citizens residing in the Kyrgyz Republic.

The Government of Pakistan takes the matter of the safety and security of its national around the world very seriously and will take all necessary measures to ensure their wellbeing.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister has directed the Foreign Office to monitor the situation round-the-clock and to fully assist and facilitate Pakistani nationals.