Death in Kyrgyzstan

ISLAMABAD: This is with reference to Gul Bukhari's article “Death in Kyrgyzstan”, published on June 18. The writer’s article accusing the government and the Embassy of Pakistan in Bishkek for incompetence and negligence is far too harsh given the reality on the ground and the fact that scores of Pakistani students were taken hostage.

It is important that facts should not be misrepresented. First, there were no Pakistani students taken hostage in Osh, and this can be confirmed from the repatriated students. Second, the Foreign Office and the Pakistan Embassy in Bishkek, fully realising their obligations and responsibilities towards Pakistan nationals abroad, immediately reacted to the situation and succeeded in repatriating all students from Osh and Jalalabad by the afternoon of June 15. This was done against heavy odds given the extremely difficult situation in the Osh region and logistical arrangements required for operating two flights, including clearance from the countries for using their airspace. The writer is nevertheless right in saying that the Government of Pakistan was simply fulfilling its obligations.

Assistant Director (Spokesman’s Office), Ministry Of Foreign Affairs

Published in The Express Tribune, June 19^th, 2010.