Pakistan urged its citizens in Kyrgyzstan not to go outside after gangs attacked foreigners Friday night over disputes with migrants, the Associated Press reported, citing by BTA, citing Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to local media, the violence broke out last week after a clash between Kyrgyz and foreigners in Bishkek.
In a statement, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said the Pakistani embassy in Bishkek is in contact with the Kyrgyz government to ensure the safety and security of its citizens following Friday night's unrest in the city. Some of the injured Pakistani students were taken to a hospital in Bishkek for treatment, the ministry said.
Yesterday, Pakistan summoned a Kyrgyz diplomat to protest the violence against Pakistani citizens.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed alarm at the attacks on Pakistani students. Sharif said in a statement that he was sending a high-ranking representative of his government to Bishkek to oversee efforts to ensure the well-being of students injured in the attacks.
Those who wish to return to their homeland will receive all the necessary help, the prime minister added.
Pakistani authorities could not specify if there were any deaths as a result of the attacks.
Thousands of Pakistanis study or work in Kyrgyzstan, AP notes.