— How many Pakistani citizens currently reside in Kyrgyzstan?
— According to our estimates, about 12,000. However, I trust the statistics of the Kyrgyz authorities more, who can provide accurate information on the number of Pakistanis crossing the border. The difference is about three thousand, so it’s actually around 15,000.
Of these, about 10,000 are students, most of whom study in medical institutions. Approximately 4,000 are labor migrants, and the rest are businessmen and investors, although there are currently not many large ones among them.
— What is the significance of Pakistani investments in the economy of Kyrgyzstan?
— The total amount of Pakistani investments is about $200–300 million, mainly from small investors with projects up to $10 million.
However, there have been changes recently. One major investor from Pakistan has started building a refinery in southern Kyrgyzstan with a budget of about $400 million. Construction has already begun, and the plant is expected to start operating in 2029.
— In recent years, there has been a significant influx of Pakistani citizens into Kyrgyzstan. How do you explain this?
— The main reason is the rapid economic growth of Kyrgyzstan. GDP growth indicates the availability of jobs and investment opportunities.
Additionally, many Kyrgyz citizens go to work in Russia or Kazakhstan, creating a labor shortage in the country and the need to attract foreign workers.
— So, foreign workers are willing to work for lower wages than locals?
— Yes, many Kyrgyz want to earn around $1,000, while Pakistanis agree to $500, which allows them to fill gaps in the labor market.
The main areas of employment are construction and the garment industry.
— That's right. About 95 percent of Pakistanis are employed in these sectors. Local entrepreneurs note the good quality of work by Pakistani workers, who can work nine hours and do not require additional payments for overtime.
As for the garment industry, Pakistanis possess a high level of craftsmanship, making them sought after in this field.
Currently, there is a demand for wood specialists for furniture production — Kyrgyz entrepreneurs are asking to attract about 100 workers from Pakistan.
— Why do Pakistani students prefer medical universities in Kyrgyzstan?
— This is due to the accessibility and cost of education. In Pakistan, tuition at private medical universities is significantly more expensive, and admission is difficult due to high competition.
In Kyrgyzstan, tuition costs range from $1,500 to $7,000 per year, which is several times lower than in Pakistan.
— How do you assess the contribution of Pakistani citizens to the economy of Kyrgyzstan?
— I do not view this solely from an economic perspective. For me, human connections and mutual understanding are more important. If 10,000 students pay $6,000 a year, that’s about $60 million coming into the country.
But more important than just money is that 15,000 Pakistanis can strengthen cultural ties between our peoples.
This is a vibrant exchange of culture. Many Pakistanis are already starting families in Kyrgyzstan.
— Is there any statistics on such marriages?
— There is no exact statistics, but I know of about 12-13 cases where Pakistanis married Kyrgyz women and stayed here.
— Is further growth in the number of arrivals expected?
— This depends on the continuation of economic growth in Kyrgyzstan. Large construction projects are planned, which will require labor.
— How are relations between Pakistanis and local residents? Are there any complaints?
— There are practically no complaints from Kyrgyz citizens. I met with the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, and he confirmed that no complaints have been received about Pakistanis.
Disputes arise mainly within the Pakistani community, but overall they live peacefully.
— What is the visa application procedure for Kyrgyz citizens in Pakistan?
— We try to issue visas within 2-3 hours through a simple online system. If there are any questions, we invite applicants for an interview. In 95 percent of cases, everything goes smoothly.
For Pakistanis, the visa application process in Kyrgyzstan takes at least five days.
— Have there been complaints from entrepreneurs that Pakistanis leave work without warning?
— I have not observed such cases. If the working conditions are good, Pakistanis will not leave their jobs. Moreover, no one has the right to withhold workers' passports — this is illegal.
— What is the trade turnover between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan?
— According to Pakistan, it is about $5 million, while according to Kyrgyzstan, it is about $15 million. I trust the Kyrgyz data more.
The situation is complicated by the fact that some goods are formally registered as exports to Afghanistan and then enter Central Asia.
Even $15 million is not a figure to be proud of.
— What goods are exported between the countries?
— According to Kyrgyz data, out of the $15 million trade turnover, $13 million is exports from Pakistan to Kyrgyzstan, and only $2 million is from Kyrgyzstan to Pakistan.
Pakistan mainly supplies fruits, textiles, and medical products, while Kyrgyzstan supplies animal skins.
— After President Sadyr Japarov's visit to Pakistan, the parties announced their goal to increase trade turnover to $200 million. How realistic is this?
— The president's visit was historic, and with its results, we hope that trade turnover will exceed $200 million in the next two years. The main thing is the presence of political will and specific directives.
Kyrgyzstan is the gateway to Central Asia, and it should not be limited to just its population.
Kyrgyzstan is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, which opens access to a market of 200 million people.
There are goods that are available in Kyrgyzstan but absent in Pakistan, and vice versa. For example, honey — you have varieties that are not found in Pakistan.
— How is the logistics situation?
— The road from Islamabad to Bishkek takes about 6-7 days. We have signed a memorandum that opens access to Pakistan's seaports for Kyrgyzstan.
This needs to be utilized by businessmen to develop cooperation.
— Are there direct flights?
— Yes, there is a flight from Bishkek to Lahore, and there are plans to open a flight from Bishkek to Karachi, which will be beneficial for business.
— According to Wikipedia, there are about 6,000 ethnic Kyrgyz living in Pakistan. Is this true?
— Yes, but it’s hard to say for sure. In Pakistan, people assimilate quickly.
I always tell Pakistani students: you are ambassadors of your country, and it is important to communicate with local residents.
The language is not just words, but also culture and way of life.
— How did you learn Russian?
— I studied Russian when I entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and it was a conscious choice, as I worked in various countries, including Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
— What is Kyrgyzstan's tourism potential for Pakistanis?
— Huge. The nature of Kyrgyzstan is magnificent, but it is important to preserve the ecology. You have every chance to develop the tourism sector without harming the environment.
