One Pakistani student killed in Kyrgyz violence

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan said Sunday that one of its nationals was killed while 15 more were believed to be held hostage in the ongoing ethnic violence in southern Kyrgyzstan.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressed sorrow over the death of the student who hailed from the country’s eastern province of Punjab, Express television reported.

Qureshi cited unconfirmed reports to the effect that at least 15 Pakistani students were being held hostage in Kyrgyzstan. Over 100 were stranded in the battle-ridden area.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, between 1,200 and 1,500 Pakistanis are studying in Kyrgyzstan.