By Qamar Bashir
Despite the Pakistan government's extensive efforts to manage the crisis involving
students in Kyrgyzstan, social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), were
rife with criticism regarding the perceived mishandling of the situation. Many users
expressed frustration over the initial delay in government response and the lack of clear
communication during the early stages of the crisis.
Concerns were being raised about the adequacy and timeliness of the measures taken to
ensure the safety and well-being of the students. Criticism also focuses on the reported
instances of students being left without food and shelter, highlighting a perceived
disconnect between official statements and on-ground realities.
Parents and relatives used X (banned and slowdown in Pakistan) to voice their anxieties
and dissatisfaction, questioning the government's preparedness and ability to protect its
citizens abroad.
Traditional media in Pakistan extensively covered the government's handling of the crisis
involving Pakistani students in Kyrgyzstan which was triggered by a viral video showing
a brawl between local Kyrgyz and Egyptian students at a hostel. The altercation
reportedly began over harassment issues and quickly escalated. The video, which spread
widely on social media, incited locals to protest against what they perceived as lenient
treatment of foreign students involved in the fight.
This led to widespread attacks on hostels housing international students, particularly
those from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The situation was further inflamed by false
and unverified information circulating on social media, causing panic and unrest among
the students and their families back home.
The media highlighted several key issues including delays in the government's response
and evacuation efforts, communication breakdowns leading to confusion among students
and their families, reports of insufficient support from Pakistani diplomatic missions,
concerns about the safety of students amidst political unrest, and difficulties in accessing
medical care.
However, the Pakistani government's response to the crisis involving Pakistani students
in Kyrgyzstan serves as an excellent case study in effective public relations (PR) and
crisis management. The government's response started rolling after the Prime Minister
fired a tweet showing his concern over attacks on Pakistan students by local mob in
Bishkek on 17 May where according to Kyrgyz authorities 41 victims sought medical
help.
The government, though a bit late starter, demonstrated its prioritization of the issue
through rapid, high-level intervention. The Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister,
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister of Interior, and Minister of Information
immediately got involved. The Prime Minister also coordinated efforts on the ground by
speaking directly with the Pakistani Ambassador in Kyrgyzstan.
Effective communication strategies played a crucial role in managing the crisis. Multiple
press conferences were held to provide accurate information and updates, ensuring
transparency and keeping the public informed. This approach helped manage panic and
prevent misinformation. Additionally, updates and reassurances were shared on social
media platforms and government websites, allowing the government to reach a wide
audience quickly.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar reached
Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. He met with Mr. Shahzaib, a Pakistani textile worker
in hospital who was injured during the recent mob violence in Bishkek.
He met with Deputy Chairman of the Kyrgyz Cabinet of Ministers Edil Baisalov and
Kyrgyz Minister for Health Alymkadyr Beishenaliev and took up the matter of the
unfortunate incident and issues appurtenant to it. He also held a meeting with a group of
Pakistani medical students at Bishkek Airport and assured them the commitment of the
Government of Pakistan to the welfare of overseas Pakistanis. He also held a detailed
meeting with Foreign Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic Kulubaev Zheenbek
Moldokanovich in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and discussed the unfortunate incidents of
violence against Pakistanis. He hoped that those responsible for the violence would be
held accountable.
The Deputy Prime Minister also took note of the losses of the student in terms of
education and financial losses of the parents and promised that a meeting of the
stakeholders will soon be convened to look into the possibility of accommodating them in
the Pakistani medical institutions.
The government also constituted an inquiry committee to establish what led to the mob
attacks on its students and to look into the reasons, response readiness of Pakistani
mission and the government. The committee would coordinate with the Kyrgyz
authorities to review all the findings and developments in Bishkek and submit its report
within two weeks.
Due to the government's proactive initiative, around 4,036 Pakistani students were
repatriated as of 22 May on several special evacuation flights in an operation that is
ongoing even as Kyrgyz authorities have insisted the situation in Bishkek is now calm.
Whereas no such efforts were made by the governments of India and Bangladesh despite
the evacuation demands of their students which stands at 28,800 in toto including from
India (15,000) Pakistan (10,000) and 1200 from Bangladesh.
While the Pakistani government and its embassy in Bishkek undertook significant
measures to address the crisis involving Pakistani students in Kyrgyzstan, there are areas
where improvements could have been made. The embassy’s website is almost non-
existent, with blank sections and, besides adorning a picture of the Ambassador, having
no useful information at all. There are no press releases, video messages, or safety and
security SOPs for the stranded students on the website.
There is no mention of any hotline established to register the concerns of the students.
There is a total absence of organized and focused centrally controlled registration of
pressing needs of the students and making arrangements to meet their essential
requirements.
The embassy failed to set up a centralized support group of the Pakistani community in
Kyrgyzstan, create a listing of available resources, or compile an inventory of contact
numbers and addresses of community members to help students in distress. In Pakistan,
there was no help desk for parents to seek answers to their queries, nor a centralized
system to garner help from the community to mitigate the suffering of the students.
Proactive communication, an early warning system, enhanced coordination, and a swift
evacuation process could have mitigated initial delays and confusion. Regular updates
and virtual town hall meetings with parents could have reduced anxiety and built trust.
Follow-up support for returning students would demonstrate a continued commitment to
their well-being. By addressing these aspects, the government could have ensured a more
robust and compassionate response.
