THE recent mob attack on Pakistani students in Kyrgyzstan sparked rightful concern and warranted swift action from our government. The timely visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Kyrgyzstan underscores the seriousness with which Pakistan views the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad.
It is crucial to acknowledge the longstanding fraternal ties between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan. Historically, incidents of this nature have been rare, and it is imperative that this isolated incident does not undermine the strong bilateral relations that exist between the two nations. Pakistan has always prioritized its relationships with Central Asian Republics (CARs), recognizing their strategic importance and the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation. Pakistan serves as a vital route for the CARs to access global markets through its sea ports. In the aftermath of the attacks, Kyrgyz authorities demonstrated a seriousness to restoring order and ensuring the safety of all foreign nationals, including Pakistani students. The assurance from the Kyrgyz government to hold the perpetrators accountable is a positive step towards justice and preventing future occurrences. It is however important that concrete actions follow these promises to rebuild trust and prevent the recurrence of such unfortunate incidents. Doing so is also important to promote people to people contacts between the two countries. Pakistan’s swift evacuation of its students from Kyrgyzstan deserves appreciation. However, it also raises broader questions about the need for such measures in the first place. We must address the underlying issues that drive the youth to seek education abroad, including the need to invest in quality education and create opportunities for growth and development domestically. We must take the requisite steps to stem the brain drain and harness the potential of its youth to drive the country’s economic prosperity. Investment in education, innovation and job creation are essential to retaining talent and fostering a conducive environment for growth.
