State regulator loosens grip on Tajikistan’s internet
The decision, which was made public last weekend, is expected to improve the quality and speed of the internet service in the country, which has been severely compromised by the monopoly of EKTs, operated by the joint-stock company Tojiktelecom.
National Bank of Kazakhstan introduces digital currency
Kazakhstan has become the latest country to launch a digital version of its national currency, the tenge, in a bid to modernize its payment system and reduce corruption.
Kyrgyzstan considers banning niqab, citing security concerns
The bill, which was made public for discussion by the parliament on November 14, proposes fines and community service for those who violate the ban, which it says is necessary to ensure public security and identify individuals.
Kazakhstan: new legislation to tackle personal debt burden
The upcoming legislation focuses on stricter lending rules. Lenders will face lowered government-set interest rates, enhanced borrower assessment protocols, and restrictions on new loans for those who have delayed repayments for over 90 days.
Pakistan, Turkey and Iran leaders in Uzbekistan for ECO summit
The leaders of Pakistan, Turkey and Iran arrived in Uzbekistan on Thursday for a regional economic summit, amid a diplomatic push by the Muslim countries to assert their influence in Central Asia.
45 dead in Kazakhstan mine fire disaster
Kazakhstan was in national mourning on Sunday after a fire at an ArcelorMittal mine killed 45 people, the worst accident in the Central Asian country’s post-Soviet history.
How has Central Asia reacted to the Israel-Hamas war?
The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, which began on October 7, 2023, has drawn mixed reactions from the countries of Central Asia, a region that shares historical, cultural and religious ties with the Middle East.
Kazakhstan announces ban on hijabs in schools
According to a statement on the government’s website, the ban is aimed at preserving secularism and preventing the propagation of any religious dogma in schools.
Kyrgyz authorities pledge ‘all-out war’ on criminal networks
n a sweeping crackdown on organized crime, Kyrgyzstan’s security services have arrested dozens of suspected gangsters, seized millions of dollars’ worth of illicit assets, and killed the country’s most notorious crime boss.
Biden meets with Central Asia leaders, eyes closer ties
President Biden met with the leaders of five Central Asian countries on Sunday, seeking to strengthen cooperation on security, economic and human rights.