Students from Pakistan and other Asian countries are fleeing Kyrgyzstan in droves after a violent attack on their living quarters by a mob of Kyrgyz young men. The incident, which took place in the capital city of Bishkek on May 17, left many foreign students traumatized and fearful for their safety.
Imran Yousaf, a pathologist at the International University Kyrgyzstan, described the terrifying ordeal as a “worst nightmare” as the attackers barged into their hostel and assaulted several students, including women. Despite their efforts to barricade themselves, the students were unable to escape the violence.
The Pakistani government has stepped in to assist its citizens, arranging extra flights to evacuate them from the country. Many students are taking advantage of this opportunity to return home, at least temporarily, until the situation calms down.
Kyrgyzstan has become a popular destination for medical students from India, Pakistan, and other Asian and Arab countries due to its affordable fees and living expenses. However, the recent attack has raised concerns among foreign students about their safety in the country.
The Kyrgyz government has promised to address the students’ fears and has detained several suspects in connection with the attack. Yousaf expressed hope that the situation will improve in the coming months and urged his fellow students not to judge Kyrgyzstan based on this isolated incident.
Despite the violence, some students like Hamza Yasin remain optimistic about their time in Kyrgyzstan, emphasizing that the country is not inherently bad. As investigations continue and efforts are made to ensure the safety of foreign students, the hope is that peace and harmony will be restored in the days to come.