Our People > Aliya Haidar

Aliya Haidar

Journalist

Aliya Haidar is a Kazakhstani journalist. She started her career in 1998, and has worked in the country's leading regional and national publications ever since.

Articles

Gaza Ceasefire

Kazakhstan Maintains Diplomatic Balance Following Gaza Ceasefire

On Monday, the Palestinian group Hamas handed over the final 20 surviving hostages to Israel in a two-stage exchange, reportedly mediated with the involvement of Qatari representatives. By midweek, the outcome of the latest ceasefire attempt between Israel and Hamas may become clearer. On October 13, U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the Knesset in Israel, before traveling to Egypt for a summit. The hostages had been held for more than two years, mirroring the duration of Israel’s military campaign that has reverberated across the region. The two-stage exchange formed part of a broader ceasefire framework backed by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. Washington has framed the deal as a cornerstone of its renewed Middle East peace initiative, which aims to establish a long-term truce and pave the way for gradual reconstruction in Gaza. Trump described the agreement as the "beginning of a new security architecture for the region,” though analysts caution that deep mistrust between the parties could still derail implementation. The ongoing war in the Middle East is impacting Kazakhstan, as it is across Central Asia. Anti-Israeli sentiment has grown in this majority-Muslim country, though the government continues to advocate for a balanced and diplomatic approach. For Astana, maintaining neutrality amid the polarized reactions to the war is not just a matter of diplomacy, but also a matter of regional stability. Kazakhstan’s leadership views itself as a potential bridge between Muslim-majority nations and Western partners, drawing on its history of multivector foreign policy. Officials stress that Astana’s engagement is guided by the principles of dialogue and international law rather than religious or ideological alignment. A Delicate Diplomatic Position Kazakhstan has consistently supported international peacekeeping efforts. On September 30, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev backed Trump's Gaza peace plan, and on October 9, Tokayev welcomed the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages, as announced by his press secretary, Ruslan Zheldibay. Tokayev commended the mediation efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, and acknowledged the contributions of the United States and President Trump in advancing peace negotiations in the region. Kazakhstan recognized the State of Palestine in 1992 and established diplomatic ties. While economic relations remain minimal, the recognition holds symbolic political significance. At the same time, Kazakhstan maintains relatively strong relations with Israel, with a notable volume of bilateral trade. The country's longstanding diplomatic stance emphasizes the principle of “two states for two peoples.” Bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and Israel exceeded $450 million in 2023, driven primarily by exports of Kazakh metals and imports of Israeli technology and agricultural products. Cooperation in water management, healthcare, and defense technologies has continued despite regional instability. Kazakh officials have also emphasized the importance of Israeli investment in innovation and renewable energy sectors. Kazakhstan's diplomatic position has been reiterated consistently. In November 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed that the only sustainable solution to the conflict lies in the creation of two sovereign states. Amid intensified hostilities in October 2023, Israel imposed a blockade on Gaza. At that time, 76...

6 months ago

TCA Interviews

TCA Interview: Asia’s First New York Film Academy Campus Opens in Almaty

On 27 September, the New York Film Academy Kazakhstan (NYFA) opened the first branch of the world-renowned American film school in Central Asia. For young Kazakhstani and foreign students, this presents a unique opportunity to gain top-tier knowledge for future careers in the industry. The new campus was established through a partnership between Almaty University of Energy and Communications (Energo University) and the Dala Edge Creative Technology Park, with the opening ceremony attended by Michael Young, President and CEO of the New York Film Academy, and Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan. Gani Nygymetov, Rector of Energo University, spoke to The Times of Central Asia about the opportunities and prospects of NYFA Kazakhstan. TCA: How did the idea to establish the New York Film Academy Kazakhstan campus in Kazakhstan come about? GN: Energo University has been in existence for over 50 years and is one of the leading technical universities in Central Asia, specializing in engineering and energy. In February this year, we presented a new development strategy that includes a mission to remain a leader in energy education, while also expanding into telecommunications, IT, and techno-creative programmes. To achieve these goals, the 16-hectare Dala Edge Creative Technology Park was created near Almaty. Now, a branch of NYFA has opened there, its first campus in Asia. Previously, NYFA campuses were only located in Florence, New York, and Los Angeles. I am confident that the opening of the campus in Kazakhstan will give an additional impetus to the development of creative industries in the region and enable us to train specialists of international calibre. The Creative Technology Park will become a hub for professional training and innovative projects and will support the integration of students and professionals into the film, animation, and game design industries. TCA: Who teaches at NYFA Kazakhstan, exclusively American specialists, or are local experts also involved in the programme? What subjects are taught? GN: American specialists teach students in film directing, screenwriting, acting, 3D animation, visual effects, and game design. All programmes meet international standards, instruction is in English, and modern tools and methods used in the United States are employed. Inviting NYFA to Kazakhstan is part of a strategy to develop the country's academic potential. The Ministry of Science and Higher Education, led by Minister Sayasat Nurbek, is actively attracting leading international universities. Today, more than 40 renowned foreign universities have opened branches in Kazakhstan. This allows talented students to receive high-quality education at home and also attracts students from other countries in the region. Partnerships with international universities, including Anhalt University (Germany), which has also opened a branch at our university, and NYFA, help set high standards of education and expand opportunities for students. In the coming years, we plan to launch our own digital media faculty. [caption id="attachment_37086" align="aligncenter" width="353"] Gani Nygymetov, Rector of Energo University; image: Energo University[/caption] TCA: How many students are currently studying at NYFA Kazakhstan? Are there plans to expand the number of disciplines? GN: NYFA...

7 months ago

Medicines

Kazakhstanis Face Drug Shortages and Soaring Prices

Kazakhstanis are paying significantly more for medicines than residents of many other countries, and often struggle to find essential drugs at all. According to the Agency for Protection and Development of Competition (APDC), rising prices, supply disruptions, and an inefficient procurement system are driving a worsening healthcare crisis. Price Hikes Kazakhstan’s medicine procurement system is complex. In principle, essential drugs should be available to patients free of charge under the guaranteed volume of medical care and mandatory social health insurance. In practice, many face shortages or receive lower-quality substitutes. As a result, patients are often forced to buy medicines themselves, an increasingly unaffordable burden. According to the APDC, inflated prices are caused by several factors. One is the lack of pricing transparency. Previously, drug prices were pegged to the highest prices in reference countries, figures submitted by suppliers without verification. As a result, generics sometimes cost nearly as much as original-brand drugs. Another issue is procurement through intermediaries. Up to 45% of state-purchased medicines are bought not from manufacturers but from local distributors, who add their own markups. Costs are also inflated by expensive inspections. To enter the market, companies must pay for production inspections, fees set independently by a state agency that can reach millions of tenge. These costs are passed on to consumers. To address these problems, the APDC has recommended switching to average reference-country prices, limiting inspections on products from countries with stringent regulations, and transferring inspection services to a state monopoly with controlled rates. It also urges more direct procurement from manufacturers and better verification of supplier costs. Tax Reforms Threaten Further Price Increases Despite already high prices, medicines will soon be subject to new taxes. Under Kazakhstan’s revised Tax Code, beginning in 2026, medical services and the sale of medicines and medical products will be subject to value-added tax (VAT), initially at 5%, rising to 10% from January 1, 2027. An exception will apply to medicines and services provided under the guaranteed medical care package and mandatory health insurance. However, as noted earlier, many patients struggle to access these programs in practice. Pharmaceutical companies warn that these VAT changes will drive prices even higher and lead to fresh shortages. Industry leaders also point to the planned 16% VAT on pharmaceutical raw materials, equipment, and components, calling it a distortion of tax policy and a threat to the sector’s stability. “The market is on the edge. Many drugs are already unprofitable and are being withdrawn. The introduction of VAT will accelerate the outflow. The number of registered medicines in Kazakhstan has already dropped from 12,000 to 6,900,” said Marina Durmanova, President of the Association for the Support and Development of Pharmaceutical Activity. “If no measures are taken, the country could face shortages of key drugs and further monopolization of the pharmacy sector,” she warned. Kazakhstan produces few essential medicines domestically, meaning prices continue to rise month by month. When Medicines Vanish, So Do Lives Price increases are only part of the crisis. Vital medicines frequently disappear...

7 months ago

Inflation

Experts Say Kazakhstan Must Boost Manufacturing to Tame Inflation

Inflation is steadily eroding incomes in Kazakhstan, depleting savings and undermining government efforts in the social sector. The Times of Central Asia previously noted that surging economic growth could be a contributing factor to Kazakhstan’s inflation problem. But despite rising prices, the government has no plans to apply the brakes. On the contrary, officials point to promising GDP growth driven by sectors beyond oil. Meanwhile, independent experts argue that only large-scale industrial development can provide a lasting solution to inflation. Persistent Price Pressures Inflation continues to outpace official projections. In August, annual inflation hit 12.2%, and by the end of 2025 it is expected to reach 14%, well above the National Bank of Kazakhstan’s target range of 5-6%. Economists say the country’s dependence on imports is a key driver. Kazakhstan imports large volumes of food, fuel, medicine, equipment, and consumer goods. Wage and pension increases are failing to keep pace with the surge in prices. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has acknowledged that high inflation poses a serious challenge, warning it is “eating away at economic growth and household incomes.” Government efforts to stabilize prices have yet to show meaningful results. On September 23, Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliev announced that Kazakhstan will gradually phase out price controls on socially significant food products (SZPT) in favor of targeted digital support for consumers. The SZPT list currently includes 19 essential items. At the same time, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov instructed agencies to crack down on unjustified price hikes for basic goods, ordering strict enforcement of available price control tools. Growth at a Cost Inflation, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin, is being fueled by economic expansion. He warned that efforts to restrain inflation could hinder growth. “Since 2023, GDP has grown by 5%, and in 2024 we grew without the contribution of oil. This year is a turning point. From 2026, oil will no longer influence GDP growth,” Zhumangarin said. Although Kazakhstan’s economy has long relied on oil revenues, the minister believes this trend is now shifting. “Economic growth is always accompanied by high inflation,” he said. “More than $12 billion in investments have already been attracted, and the target for the year is $24 billion. The government will soon announce a new strategy for economic growth. We must follow the path of Asian countries but with modern technologies.” Call for Industrialization Independent analysts argue that real progress against inflation requires mass domestic production across a wide range of goods. Political analyst Gaziz Abishev stressed the urgency of moving beyond megaprojects toward practical, infrastructure-linked industry. “Kazakhstan needs real production, not fairy-tale megaprojects. Industry tied to infrastructure, logistics, human resources, and markets solves many issues,” he wrote. “It creates well-paid jobs, stimulates small and medium-sized businesses, reduces reliance on imports, supports the tenge, and addresses budget deficits.” Abishev also called for openness to foreign industrial investment, regardless of origin. His comments appear to push back against public concerns over the influence of Russia, China, and Western...

7 months ago

Culture

Global Conflicts Fuel a Wave of Cancellations in Central Asia’s Cultural Scene

On September 20, performers from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan took part in the international “Intervision-2025” contest in Moscow, a music competition often described as the Eurasian counterpart to Eurovision. Originally launched in the 1970s by countries of the Eastern Bloc, Intervision has been periodically revived as a stage for showcasing regional talent and cultural diversity, with recent editions aiming to strengthen cultural exchange across Eurasia. At the event, last held in Sochi, Russia, in 2008, the Kyrgyz performers, Nomad, earned second place. But even as regional talent competes on the global stage, a parallel trend is intensifying at home: artists, especially Russians, are increasingly being “canceled” across Central Asia. The root cause, observers say, is Russia's war in Ukraine. Mounting Controversies Concert cancellations, particularly in Kazakhstan, have become so frequent that international artists are growing wary. On September 17, organizers for Canadian pop star The Weeknd announced the cancellation of his planned show in Almaty. They cited a broader pattern of artist cancellations in the country. “In light of recent events and online discussions, we have decided to consider hosting the concert elsewhere,” the statement read. Sources suggest the cancellation was indirectly linked to the backlash over an upcoming concert by Russian rapper Timati, who has publicly supported the war in Ukraine. The online campaign has reportedly cast a shadow over unrelated performances, including The Weeknd’s. At the same time, anti-war artists are also being blocked. Belarusian rapper Max Korzh saw his Almaty show canceled, despite his public criticism of the war. The decision may have been influenced by riots at his August concert in Warsaw, where Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) symbols were seen. In Russia, the UPA is classified as an extremist group; in Poland, it is accused of wartime atrocities against Poles. Following the event, the Polish authorities deported 57 Ukrainians and 6 Belarusians. Kazakh officials, observers say, are keen to avoid similar controversies. The War’s Cultural Fallout Ideological divides are reshaping Central Asia’s cultural landscape. Once welcome, Russian performers now frequently face petitions and protests. In August, an online campaign demanded the cancellation of pop singer Polina Gagarina’s November concert in Kazakhstan. Petitioners argued her public support for Moscow’s policies contradicted international law and risked provoking social unrest. Russian rock singer Zemfira reportedly canceled her June concert at the request of venue owners. Other Russian artists, including Grigory Leps, Vladimir Presnyakov, and the Turetsky Choir, have been barred due to perceived support for the war. The “Zhara” music festival was also scrapped following online criticism, with the Kazakh Minister of Culture citing "political propaganda and attempts to divide society" as the reasons behind the decision. Meanwhile, anti-war comedians and musicians are facing hurdles. Maksim Galkin, designated a “foreign agent” by Russia and now living in Israel, has complained of bans in Kazakhstan. Outspoken rapper Alisher Morgenstern canceled concerts in Almaty and Astana last year, while both his and Leps’ shows were prohibited in Kyrgyzstan. Officials in Bishkek cited moral concerns, accusing Morgenstern of undermining “Kyrgyz traditions...

7 months ago