Foreign Ministers of Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan to Meet on May 21 in Astana
The Foreign Ministry of Kyrgyzstan has confirmed that the situation in Bishkek is fully under control following recent unrest. Deputy Foreign Minister Avazbek Atakhanov met with Pakistani Ambassador Hasan Ali Zaigam to discuss the incident that occurred on May 18 involving foreign students, including Pakistani nationals.
The Ambassador thanked the Kyrgyz authorities for their assistance in obtaining information about the incident. Atakhanov assured that the situation has been stabilized and that law enforcement agencies are conducting an investigation into the events.
Both parties have agreed to arrange a meeting between the Kyrgyz Foreign Minister and his Pakistani counterpart during the Council of Foreign Ministers of the SCO countries, scheduled for May 21 in Astana. The foreign ministers are also set to have a telephone conversation today.
The incident in question involved a mass fight at a hostel in Bishkek on the evening of May 17. Hundreds of young people gathered near the hostel, demanding punishment for the foreigners involved and expressing concerns about the growing number of migrants in the capital. The fight was reportedly provoked by Kyrgyz citizens. Police were placed on high alert, and the foreigners involved apologized and expressed their readiness to face consequences.
By the morning of May 18, the Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that the situation had returned to normal and was under control. According to the Ministry of Health, 29 people sought medical assistance, with 15 hospitalized. Most of the hospitalized individuals have since been released for outpatient treatment.
