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Vagit Ismailov

Journalist

Vagit Ismailov is a Kazakhstani journalist. He has worked in leading regional and national publications.

Articles

Local politics Extreme Sports internal affairs

Kyrgyzstan’s SCNS Head Proposes Ban on “Fights Without Rules”

Kamchybek Tashiyev, the head of Kyrgyzstan's State Committee for National Security (SCNS), has proposed banning "fights without rules," citing their negative influence on youth and society. Tashiyev expressed these concerns during a live broadcast on Facebook, urging a national reevaluation of such activities. Tashiyev argued that these fights create a misleading notion among young people that success in life can be achieved through violence and coercion. “Fighting without rules is not a sport, but a type of brawling. Such competitions form a false belief in young people that success can be achieved by force and aggression. We need to raise a generation that relies on education and science,” Tashiyev said. He further highlighted the dangers associated with these events, emphasizing their harmful effects on both moral guidance and physical health. According to Tashiyev, many participants suffer severe injuries, with some becoming disabled by the age of 40. To address these concerns, Tashiyev urged athletes and young people to focus on Olympic sports, which he described as fostering physical development and receiving state support. Tashiyev also rejected the argument that the global popularity of unrestricted fighting justifies its practice in Kyrgyzstan, emphasizing that the country should prioritize its own values and traditions over external influences. From an Islamic perspective, Tashiyev stressed the incompatibility of such activities with moral principles, stating that “Even from the point of view of Islam, such actions are wrong - beating and maiming each other has no place in our values,” Tashiyev concluded by appealing to sports associations to take measures to restrict fights without rules and guide Kyrgyzstan's youth toward healthier and more constructive activities.

3 weeks ago

Tokayev Foreign Policy president Geopolitics Trump Politics Interview Reforms Nazarbayev

Tokayev on Kazakhstan’s Future: Reforms, Diplomacy, and Global Leadership

In an interview with the Kazakh newspaper Ana Tili, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discussed pressing domestic and international policy issues shaping Kazakhstan's development. Tokayev highlighted Kazakhstan’s role as a stabilizing force in the international arena during a time of heightened geopolitical tensions. “My main goal is to strengthen the economic potential, sovereignty, and international position of our state. From the very beginning of my presidency, I have taken full responsibility for the decisions I make and their consequences. I cannot and do not want to work any other way,” Tokayev stated. [caption id="attachment_27253" align="aligncenter" width="750"] Image: Akorda[/caption] Reflecting on Qantar - Building a Just Kazakhstan Tokayev addressed the January 2022 unrest - Qantar - describing the upheaval as a consequence of deep-rooted social injustice and political stagnation. “Three years after Qantar, most of our citizens understand that the unprecedented unrest was driven by social inequality, political stagnation, and the self-serving ambitions of the conspirators,” Tokayev said, warning against the spread of misinformation surrounding the events and emphasized that decisive action was necessary to preserve Kazakhstan’s sovereignty. Tokayev reiterated his commitment to creating a fairer Kazakhstan where all citizens are equal before the law. “Justice is not universal equalization. My course on the fair distribution of national wealth does not mean total expropriation or redistribution of property and assets. Such a policy would lead to degradation and chaos. Instead, we aim to eliminate illegal privileges and return unlawfully acquired assets to the state as part of our modernization strategy,” the president said. Relations with Nazarbayev While acknowledging the achievements of Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan’s first president, Tokayev also critiqued certain aspects of his leadership. “After resigning but remaining chairman of the Security Council, he often held meetings with key officials, creating confusion and sparking rumors of dual power. This situation led some to claim that the Elbasy Institute should supersede presidential authority,” Tokayev noted. He further revealed that Nazarbayev had considered returning to power in 2021, citing his strong ties to Moscow. Advancing Political Reforms and International Relations Tokayev pointed to the successful implementation of key political reforms, emphasizing greater openness and the activation of public participation. “The concept of ‘Strong President, Influential Parliament, Accountable Government’ best suits Kazakhstan’s political system. However, achieving this fully requires sustained effort,” Tokayev explained, reaffirming his belief that a presidential system remains the optimal governance model for Kazakhstan. Tokayev also elaborated on relations with major powers, including Russia, China, and the United States, underscoring the importance of Kazakhstan’s partnership with Russia, highlighting their shared border and deep economic ties. “President Putin is an experienced statesman who values Kazakhstan’s strategic importance as Central Asia’s largest economy. Our constant communication fosters stability in Eurasia,” Tokayev said. He described Kazakhstan’s cooperation with China as dynamic and multifaceted, elevating their relationship to the level of an "eternal strategic partnership." Tokayev also mentioned his conversation with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, noting Trump’s positive view of Kazakhstan as a strategic partner. Nuclear Power Plans, Middle Powers and Global Stability On nuclear energy, Tokayev...

3 weeks ago

Economy Government Gas & Electricity Shortages

Uzbekistan’s Gas Shortage Forces Residents to Use Coal, Firewood, and Dung

Despite Uzbekistan’s abundant natural gas reserves, many residents are turning to coal, firewood, and even dung for heating, leading to significant environmental problems, according to a report by Radio Azattyk. Experts warn of worsening air pollution and other ecological consequences, as highlighted by the International Energy Agency, while the government plans to expand coal use. Energy officials claim gas production exceeds domestic demand by threefold. However, production has been in decline for five consecutive years. Today, many households rely on coal and other alternatives for heating and cooking, while power plants that once operated on gas are transitioning to coal. According to the World Bank, in 2019, air pollution from fine particulate matter (PM2.5) led to 89 deaths per 100,000 people in Uzbekistan. Environmentalists argue that the increased reliance on coal accelerates climate change, while illegal tree cutting exacerbates ecological damage. Residents blame the government for failing to provide effective alternatives, a problem that worsens during the winter months. “In the city center, the gas pressure in the pipes is so low in winter that the stoves don’t warm. People are forced to burn coal, manure, and even fruit trees,” said Ferghana-based activist Abdusalom Ergashev. In response to widespread deforestation, the government has tightened regulations, with fines for illegal tree felling now reaching 17 million UZS (USD $1,300). Additionally, violators must plant 100 saplings for every tree cut down. In rural areas, families prepare for winter by collecting firewood, drying dung, and purchasing coal. The average household burns approximately 1.5 tons of coal per season, supplemented by cotton stalks, wood, and nut shells. Environmental consequences are becoming increasingly visible. In one video, popular blogger Akmal Isomiddinov highlighted the suffocating smog enveloping Ferghana, a phenomenon occurring across much of the country. Uzbekistan ranks among the leading nations in natural gas reserves, with an estimated 1.8 trillion cubic meters. However, its fields are depleting, and new developments require advanced technologies. Gas production in the first 10 months of 2024 totaled nearly 39 billion cubic meters, a 4.8% decline year-on-year. By comparison, production peaked at 61.6 billion cubic meters in 2018, dropping to 46.7 billion cubic meters in 2023. The government has set a goal to increase production by 33% and return to 2018 levels by 2030. Meanwhile, coal production continues to rise. From less than 4 million tons in 2016, output reached 6.5 million tons in 2023, with plans to increase production to 10 million tons by 2025. Thousands of schools, kindergartens, and hospitals were ordered to switch from gas to coal in 2023. Despite these challenges, the government asserts it is taking steps to combat climate change, including investing in green energy, providing subsidies for electric vehicles, and planting 200 million trees as part of a national campaign.

3 weeks ago

Business production Industry South Korea Economic Cooperation

Samsung TVs to Be Produced in Kazakhstan

Silk Road Electronics and Samsung Electronics have signed an agreement to launch TV manufacturing in Kazakhstan. The partnership will manufacture Samsung's latest range of televisions, including premium models, to cater to demand in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. The new production line will be established at Silk Road Electronics' facility in Sarani, located in the Karaganda region. “Samsung Electronics, as a long-standing technology leader, is committed to being closer to its consumers. The launch of production in Kazakhstan will increase the availability of our products for the local market,” said Jong Yujin, President of Samsung Electronics Central Eurasia. The localization of production is expected to deliver significant benefits, including developing industrial infrastructure and creating new jobs. “We will provide world-class products at affordable prices for Kazakhstani consumers,” added Alexander Kritsky, Director of Silk Road Electronics, emphasizing the importance of the collaboration. The project, supported by the Industry Development Fund, is set to commence operations in the second quarter of 2025, with Kazakhstani-made TVs expected to hit the market in the latter half of the year. Silk Road Electronics operates on the premises of the former Karagandarezinotechnika plant, which spans over 61,000 square meters. Approximately 25 billion tenge was invested in modernizing the facility. The plant’s primary owner is the Uzbek company Artel, known for producing various household appliances under its brand, including TVs, washing machines, and stoves. Artel partners with Meridian Company and SPK Saryarka. Meridian Company is owned by Andrei Lavrentiev, who also leads Qarmet. Previously, Samsung Electronics announced its plans to establish the production of washing machines at the Saran plant.

3 weeks ago

Demographics Social protection Population Society Birthrate

Uzbekistan Continues to Lead Central Asian Fertility Rates

Four out of the five Central Asian countries are experiencing fertility declines, with the exception being Uzbekistan, where the total fertility rate (TFR) - the average number of children born to one woman in her lifetime - continues to rise. According to analytical data from Finprom.kz, in 2023, Uzbekistan's TFR was 3.4, the highest in the region. Tajikistan followed with a ratio of 3.1, Kazakhstan at 3.0, and Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan at 2.7 each. In a global context, Central Asia's fertility rates are still higher than average. According to OurWorldinData, the world TFR in 2023 was 2.3. By comparison, countries like the U.S., India, and China had rates between 1.2 and 2.2, while in some African countries such as Somalia or Niger, TFR exceeded 6. In absolute numbers, Uzbekistan led the region in births with 962,000 newborns in 2023 - a 14.3% increase from 2020. Kazakhstan ranked second with 388,400 births, although its birth rate continued to decline after a pandemic-era baby boom. The highest TFR per 1,000 people was also recorded in Uzbekistan (26.4), followed by Tajikistan (24.6) and Kazakhstan (19.5), where births have fallen for the second consecutive year. Despite declining fertility rates, Central Asia's population is growing steadily. The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) projects the region's population to reach 80 million in 2025, marking a 2.2 million increase since 2020. Uzbekistan remains the most populous nation, accounting for 45.2% of the region's total population at 36.9 million, followed by Kazakhstan (20.3 million), Turkmenistan (8.1 million), and Kyrgyzstan (8.9 million). Population growth in the region is driven by natural increases, with annual rates of 2.5% in Uzbekistan, 1.9% in Tajikistan, 1.5% in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, and 1.4% in Kyrgyzstan. These figures reflect stable demographic dynamics across Central Asia.

3 weeks ago