It is generally believed that countries in Central Asia are major suppliers of migrant workers. The countries such as Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, are known for supplying migrant workers, particularly to Russia. What many people may not realize is that Central Asia also attracts students and migrants from South Asian nations seeking employment and higher education opportunities. This can be seen as a sign of successful modernization following Soviet patterns. It’s interesting to note that the former Soviet states received migrants from former British colonies, suggesting a form of successful modernization. Additionally, there’s a prevalent belief among people in the former USSR that life abroad is better, but this isn’t always the case.
On May 18th, riots broke out in the capital of Kyrgyzstan, targeting Pakistani students and migrant workers. About thirty students suffered various injuries. The Kyrgyz president, Sadyr Zhaparov, condemned the violence. Pakistan has arranged flights for its citizens, and the first special flight took out 180 students. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, will visit Bishkek following the riots. This is not the first incident between locals and foreigners, but it has taken on a larger scale this time.
Several altercations broke out a few days before the riots involving locals and foreigners in a cafe and a hostel. Although the attackers were eventually repelled, a video of the incident was posted online with the caption “our people are being attacked.” This led to widespread anger among young people, prompting them to take to the streets in what they called a “march for revenge.” The dormitory where Pakistani students had been assaulted and robbed was targeted by the angry protestors. It wasn’t until 5 a.m. that the police were able to contain the conflict. Kamchybek Tashiev, chairman of the State Committee for National Security, attributed the local residents’ anger to illegal migration from Pakistan, Egypt, and other Southeast Asian countries. He emphasized the need to restore order in the immigration system, citing that most of the individuals violating Kyrgyz laws are Pakistani citizens. Over 2,500 migrants have already been deported from the country. It was noted that the organizers of the protest were provocateurs seeking to incite widespread unrest in the country.
The day before, President Sadyr Zhaparov issued a statement addressing recent events. He expressed concern about certain groups who, without fully understanding the situation, had succumbed to provocations, leading to an attack on both citizens and the state. The president supported the patriotic youth’s demands to stop illegal immigration and take strict action against those responsible. Zhaparov also warned that “law enforcement agencies would use forceful measures from the beginning if such events were to occur again.” He emphasized that the security forces are now stronger and anyone, regardless of nationality, who threatens the country’s integrity or causes unrest will face severe consequences.
Many people have pointed out that the authorities in Central Asian countries should enhance their monitoring of migration. This is because individuals with radical ideologies are entering Kyrgyzstan disguised as students or migrants. While there has been a rising number of migrant workers from Central Asia seeking employment in Western Europe, there has also been an organized influx of citizens from Pakistan and other countries in recent years, both as migrant workers and students.
The spread of radical teachings in Pakistan and neighboring countries poses a significant ideological threat, as several dozen terrorist organizations are seeking to expand their activities in the region. The Pakistani authorities and military have not taken adequate measures to combat these organizations. This situation has led to concerns in Central Asia that new radical groups with Urdu and Arabic language capabilities may emerge, making it challenging for law enforcement agencies and special services to control them.
Most students from South Asia and Pakistan are normal young people seeking knowledge and higher education abroad. However, there has been a rise in cases of radical jihadist Islam being actively spread among these young people. They are being influenced by ideas similar to those professed by extremist and terrorist groups. Countries like Central Asia, which still face many challenges with social development, have high rates of unemployment and social inequality. This can lead to dangerous situations that may disrupt the stability of their political and social systems.