Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Bishkek on Tuesday, aiming to address the concerns of Pakistani nationals affected by recent unrest in the Kyrgyz Republic. His visit included meetings with injured citizens and efforts to expedite their return to Pakistan.
Upon his arrival, Minister Dar visited the National Hospital in Bishkek to meet with Shahzaib, a Pakistani textile worker injured during recent mob violence. During their interaction, Shahzaib expressed his wish to return home for further medical treatment. Responding to his request, Kyrgyz authorities agreed to discharge him, facilitating his return to Pakistan. Shahzaib is set to travel on a special aircraft alongside the deputy prime minister.
In a parallel effort, Pakistan repatriated 347 students from the violence-hit region. Two separate flights carrying these students landed at Islamabad International Airport on Tuesday, with additional Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights scheduled to bring more students back. One flight is destined for Islamabad and another for Lahore.
During his visit, Minister Dar also addressed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) in Bishkek. In his speech, he emphasised Pakistan’s priorities as the current Chair of the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG), which include enhancing connectivity, transport links, youth empowerment, poverty alleviation, and fostering practical cooperation among SCO member states.
Dar warned against bloc-based or confrontational geopolitics, advocating instead for a multipolar world anchored in multilateralism. He highlighted the importance of upholding international law and the UN Charter, particularly the right to self-determination and peaceful resolution of disputes in line with UN Security Council resolutions.
Highlighting the necessity of a collective approach to combating terrorism, Dar called for addressing the root causes of terrorism and criticised the use of the term for political gain. He also condemned the recent violence in Gaza, reaffirming Pakistan’s demand for an immediate ceasefire and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid.