PAKISTANI medical students in Kyrgyzstan are facing lots of accommodation problems in Bishkek, Kant and Osh.

Winter in Kyrgyzstan, especially the period between December and February, is extremely harsh for Pakistani students not used to life in -10ºc to -30ºc temperature. For that reason it would be better if the Pakistan Embassy asked Kyrgyz medical authorities to hold examinations in the period from March to November. Often MBBS, BDS and MD students miss exams because of illness during winter.

Medical institutions in Bishkek, Kant and Ost do not provide comfortable hostels with adequate heat and food. The students wander in search of better lodging in biting cold. Similarly transport arrangements are extremely poor.

Agents in Pakistan and Bishkek loot them before giving them a visa. I request the Pakistani ambassador in Kyrgyzstan to look into this matter and realize how many dollars Pakistani students spend to get a Kyrgyz visa, and help solve their lodging and boarding problems.

Mrs Khan
Lahore

Published in Dawn, November 18th, 2018