Muhammad Husnain Shahid arrived in Bishkek in 2020. He is from Punjab, Pakistan. For three years he has learned Russian, began to learn Kyrgyz and visited several cities in the country.
The young surgeon loves to study and therefore intends to get a master’s degree.
In an interview with 24.kg news agency he told where he likes to walk and why he would never eat horse meat.
— Tell us about yourself, when did you come to Bishkek?
— I came to Bishkek in 2020 from China. I studied medicine there, but I had to leave because of the coronavirus pandemic. I learned about Kyrgyzstan from the Internet. Here I continued my studies at the International University of Science and Medicine. I am a surgeon by profession. Now I work as a teacher of English and biology.
For three years, Muhammad Husnain Shahid has visited Naryn, Talas, Osh and, of course, Issyk-Kul.
— What do you like about Bishkek? Do you have favorite places?
— Bishkek is the best city for me. I like the local climate — it’s not too hot. I love visiting coffee houses, reading books there, and also walking in Panfilov Park.
Besides, most people in your country are Muslim, which also appeals to me. Some of your customs are similar to Pakistani ones.
— You are learning the Kyrgyz language. Do you already speak it?
— Yes, I really like learning languages, so I want to learn Kyrgyz too. For now, I can introduce myself: "Salamatsyzby, menin atym Mr. Havasi", and a few more sentences. I already understand some of the phrases.
— What is the difference between medical education in Bishkek and Pakistan?
It’s very expensive to study medicine in Pakistan, so young people prefer to enter universities in other countries, including Kyrgyzstan.
Muhammad Husnain Shahid
The university where I studied had a lot of practice. It is good that your teachers speak English and pass on their knowledge to foreign students. I did an internship at the Mamakeev National Surgery Center.
— Is there anything in Bishkek that reminds you of Punjab?
— Punjab is a very large city, and Bishkek is small, so there are few similarities, except for the delicious food.
— Since I’m a Muslim, I don’t eat pork. Pakistanis also don’t eat horse meat. We believe that you should not eat an animal that helps you in something. In general, your national cuisine is similar to Pakistani cuisine, for example, pilaf, lamb, beef, chicken dishes. I like beshbarmak, manty, kuurdak and many other dishes. I think that these dishes and boorsoks are the best things to eat in Kyrgyzstan.
— What do you like and what do you find disappointing when getting to know the locals?
— When I first came to Bishkek, it was difficult because I lived here alone, I didn’t know anyone, my friend had left. I was curious about your set of mind, how you live, what your cuisine is like.
I have never been offended in Bishkek. But sometimes it is unpleasant when some local people are rude to foreigners, asking questions about why they came to Kyrgyzstan and not to other countries, why they don’t work there.
Muhammad Husnain Shahid
I came to Kyrgyzstan to study, I am here legally.
— Yes, I intend to get a master’s degree, study and work as a cardiac surgeon. After that I`d like to get married. I can’t say what will happen next.
