As over 500 students returned from Kyrgyzstan amid escalating tensions in Bishkek, the Pakistani government promised to assist their return once the situation calmed down. Following an attack on foreign students in the capital, Pakistani students began to leave the country out of fear. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar welcomed 170 students at Lahore airport, acknowledging the “alarming situation” in Bishkek and ensuring the government’s support in their education-related matters.
The government reassured students that all necessary steps would be taken to facilitate their return to complete their degrees once the situation stabilized. Students expressed concerns over their future in Kyrgyzstan and urged the government to safeguard their interests. The Pakistani embassy in Kyrgyzstan requested students interested in returning to register their contact information for verification.
Meanwhile, special flights continued to bring students back to Islamabad, with a total of 463 students having arrived in the past few days. The Civil Aviation Authority set up an immigration desk at the airport to assist students upon their arrival.
Published in Dawn, May 21st, 2024