Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has urged his Kyrgyz counterpart Jeenbek Kulubaev to hold to account those responsible for the attacks on Pakistani students.

This came during a meeting with Kulubeav during a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Astana, Kazakhstan on Monday.

The meeting focused on the recent developments in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and the welfare of Pakistani nationals there, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office.

More than 500 Pakistani students have so far returned to Pakistan after a violent mob attacked international students in the Kyrgyz capital. At least 16 foreign students – including four Pakistanis – were injured in the attacks.

Last week, the foreign minister told reporters that the incident occurred due to a “misunderstanding”. While quoting the Kyrgyz FM, he said that “paid bloggers and paid social media” were used in the incident.

On Sunday, Dar, who is also the deputy prime minister, underlined that Pakistan’s main concern was the security and well-being of its nationals especially the students who were primarily affected by the developments of Friday.

Foreign Minister Kulubaev assured his Pakistani counterpart of the safety and security of Pakistani nationals and full facilitation for the safe repatriation of students who wish to return to Pakistan.

Dar thanked Foreign Minister Kulubaev for the much-needed health and security assistance being provided by Kyrgyz authorities to the Pakistani students.