Page 123 – The Times Of Central Asia

09 Sep 2025

Home, Environment, Tajikistan, Tajikistan Features, Features, Tajikistan Environment

Tajikistan Sends Large Convoy with Quake Aid to Afghanistan

September 9, 2025
By Times of Central Asia

Tajikistan has said it has sent more than 3,000 tons of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, one of the biggest dispatches of supplies from another country since a devastating earthquake in eastern Afghan provinces on August 31.

Photographs released by the office of President Emomali Rahmon show a long line of trucks on a highway, apparently headed to the border with Afghanistan on Monday. The delivery came as the United States and other countries congratulated Tajikistan ahead of the 34^th anniversary of its Sept. 9, 1991 independence from the collapsing Soviet Union.

“The aid loaded on a caravan of trucks consists of 24 types of necessary products and materials, including flour, oil, sugar, rice, bedding, clothing and footwear for children, adolescents and adults, tents, building materials, reinforcement, boards, slate, cement, and other goods and products,” Tajikistan’s presidential office said.

It said the aid exemplified Tajikistan’s “humane and good-neighborly policy.”

Tajikistan retains security concerns about its border with Afghanistan. Tajik border guards and fighters with Afghanistan’s Taliban government exchanged fire in an area along the border on August 24, though the two sides later met to reduce tensions.

Tajikistan’s aid convoy traveled to Afghanistan two days after Uzbekistan handed over 256 tons of aid in the Afghan border city of Hairatan.

Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also thanked Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan for assistance following the quake, which killed at least 2,200 people. It expressed gratitude in a post on X that listed dozens of countries that have sent help. Central Asian countries in particular have been building ties with Afghanistan as they seek to expand trade routes.

The quake destroyed thousands of homes, and humanitarian workers are still struggling to reach affected communities in remote, mountainous areas.

Shannon O’Hara, a senior United Nations aid coordination official in Afghanistan, said on Monday that emergency responders are prioritizing aid to women, children, and people with disabilities.

“In Afghanistan, in recent years, women and girls have been pushed to the very margins of society and survival,” O’Hara said, according to a U.N. statement. “We know from previous earthquakes and other crises that women and girls always bear the heaviest burden.”

09 Sep 2025

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Kyrgyzstan Adopts the Snow Leopard as Its National Symbol

September 9, 2025
By Jonathan Campion

The snow leopard logo will become a national symbol of Kyrgyzstan and will be used at the state level, according to Erkinbek Mamayev, head of the Wildlife Department at the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision. The move follows President Sadyr Japarov’s December 2023 decree recognizing the snow leopard as an official emblem of the republic. The Cabinet of Ministers has been tasked with developing the logo and ensuring its use across government, cultural, and promotional initiatives.

Elena Bosler-Guseva, the Bishkek-based author of the children’s book In the Footsteps of the Little Snow Leopard Brothers, told The Times of Central Asia: “The snow leopard has always been a sacred animal for Kyrgyz. The Kyrgyz people’s nomadic culture is characterized by its special relationship with the natural world, and it has long been believed that they watch over our warriors to protect them. They represent beauty, strength and freedom in our legends and fairy tales.”

For the reclusive cat to be officially adopted as a national symbol, coordinated action is needed between government agencies, scientific and educational institutions, public and international organizations. A key aim of the draft law is to further protect the species, as well as maintain its sustainable coexistence with humans.

It is hoped that the snow leopard’s new status will make it easier to increase the snow leopard population, allow more protected areas to be created, and generate more resources for Kyrgyzstan’s authorities to monitor their habitats and combat poaching.

Bosler-Guseva expanded on how the government’s proposed law will help snow leopards themselves, adding: “Sadyr Japarov’s order to recognise them as Kyrgyzstan’s national symbol will strengthen the government’s support for initiatives to protect the snow leopard and its habitat”.

09 Sep 2025

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Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan Agree on Joint Water and Energy Measures

September 9, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan have reached a landmark agreement on coordinated water and energy management, signaling a deepening commitment to cross-border cooperation amid growing seasonal and climate-related challenges.

The agreement was formalized on September 7 in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, during a meeting of energy ministers and water management authorities from the three countries. The protocols define mutual obligations for water releases and electricity exchanges, with the goal of balancing the region’s energy needs and preserving critical water resources.

Under the terms of the agreement, Kyrgyzstan will release water from the Toktogul Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) reservoir to downstream Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. In return, Kyrgyzstan will receive electricity from both countries through spring 2026.

According to the Kyrgyz Ministry of Energy, the arrangement is designed to optimize the use of water stored in Toktogul and to secure reliable electricity supplies for Kyrgyzstan during the 2025-2026 autumn-winter period.

Regional Power Transit Agreements

The protocols also include provisions for cross-border electricity transit: from Russia to Kyrgyzstan via Kazakhstan’s grid, and from Turkmenistan to Kyrgyzstan through Uzbekistan’s transmission network.

The Toktogul HPP, situated on the Naryn River, a major tributary of the Syr Darya, is Kyrgyzstan’s largest power facility, generating roughly 40% of the country’s electricity. It serves a dual function: providing domestic energy and regulating water flows that are essential for irrigation in downstream Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

In winter, Kyrgyzstan often increases power output from Toktogul to meet heating demand, but this can significantly lower reservoir levels, jeopardizing irrigation supplies the following spring. The new agreement is intended to reduce this risk by enabling Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to supply electricity during peak winter months, allowing Kyrgyzstan to conserve water.

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy emphasized that the trilateral deal is crucial to maintaining water levels in Toktogul and ensuring sufficient irrigation for southern Kazakhstan during the next growing season.

Broader Regional Energy Cooperation

Separately, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan signed an agreement for the supply of approximately 900 million kilowatt-hours of electricity between March and December 2026. The electricity is expected to cover anticipated shortages in Kazakhstan’s southern power grid and further underscores the growing interdependence of Central Asia’s energy and water systems.

09 Sep 2025

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Uzbekistan to Supply Electricity to Kazakhstan and Afghanistan in 2026

September 9, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

Uzbekistan will supply 900 million kilowatt-hours of electricity to Kazakhstan between March and December 2026, according to a statement by the Kazakh Ministry of Energy. The agreement was formalized on September 7 in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, during a trilateral meeting of energy and water authorities from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.

The meeting produced several protocols aimed at stabilizing the region’s water and energy balance. A key component includes coordinated water releases from Kyrgyzstan’s Toktogul Reservoir in exchange for electricity supplied by Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan. The parties also finalized transit arrangements for Russian electricity flowing to Kyrgyzstan via Kazakhstan’s grid.

These measures are designed to ensure adequate irrigation for southern Kazakhstan during the next growing season and to maintain critical water levels in the reservoir.

Kazakhstan’s Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov emphasized that the protocols include “specific figures, timelines, and prices,” underscoring that strict compliance with the agreed schedule is essential to maintaining stability in both electricity supply and water resource management.

The electricity deal with Uzbekistan is expected to help offset power shortages in Kazakhstan’s southern grid during planned maintenance work at domestic power stations.

Uzbekistan Supports Afghanistan’s Energy Sector

In parallel, Uzbekistan has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Afghanistan’s efforts to modernize its electricity infrastructure. The Uzbek Ministry of Energy reported that a high-level investment conference was recently held in Kabul, drawing officials from Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan, along with representatives from international organizations and diplomatic missions.

As part of the conference, a financial agreement was signed for the construction of new power transmission lines and substations with capacities ranging from 220 to 500 kilovolts. The project is slated for completion in the first quarter of 2027.

Uzbekistan also pledged to assist Afghanistan in modernizing its power distribution networks, implementing smart metering technologies, and providing technical expertise to improve energy delivery and reliability.

09 Sep 2025

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From Mansions to Classrooms: Kazakhstan Turns Corruption Assets into Public Good

September 10, 2025
By Aliya Haidar

Kazakhstan is actively reclaiming assets obtained through corrupt practices and redirecting them toward social development. Confiscated properties, including luxury mansions, high-end vehicles, and even ancient jewelry, are being allocated for public benefit, particularly in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. These efforts form part of a broader anti-corruption campaign under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, which aims to transform stolen wealth into schools, hospitals, and public services while restoring public trust in government.

Luxury Assets Reallocated for Public Use

Over the past several years, billions of dollars in assets have been returned to the state budget. On September 5, officials announced that a luxurious mansion formerly owned by convicted ex-Prime Minister and ex-head of the National Security Committee Karim Massimov had been transferred to the Ministry of Education. Located in Astana, the property will be converted into a center for children with special needs. Initially slated for auction, the villa was withdrawn from sale and reassigned for social use. Massimov, who was sentenced in 2023 to 18 years in prison for high treason, attempted coup, and abuse of office, had amassed large amounts of property and luxury goods now being liquidated or redirected to state use.

Image: National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan; a luxury mansion once owned by ex-Prime Minister Karim Massimov, complete with a disco bar, private theater, pool, and 30 rooms

This approach is not limited to Massimov’s holdings. In 2025, assets belonging to Perizat Kairat, the founder of a high-profile charity fund, were confiscated after she and her mother were convicted of embezzling donations meant for flood victims. The case shocked the country, as Kairat had been celebrated for her volunteer work before investigations revealed widespread fraud. She received a 10-year prison sentence while her mother was given seven years. Their seized property included a private house and apartments in Astana, along with luxury vehicles such as a Mercedes-Benz S450, Lexus LX 600, and Mercedes EQS 500. Authorities announced that these assets would be auctioned, with proceeds used to compensate victims defrauded by the foundation.

Image: Instagram; Perizat Kairat in Abu Dhabi

A Legal Framework for Asset Recovery

A legal framework for asset recovery underpins these actions. In July 2023, Tokayev signed the Law “On the Return of Illegally Acquired Assets to the State,” targeting entities involved in large-scale corruption and oligopolistic practices. The law established an Asset Recovery Committee and a state management company to oversee confiscated property. It also created mechanisms to repatriate funds hidden abroad. Since its adoption, Kazakhstan’s Anti-Corruption Agency has recovered approximately 1.12 trillion KZT, ($2.1 billion) in assets and funds. These reclaimed resources are being reinvested in critical sectors.

Examples of reallocated property illustrate the scale of the initiative. In Almaty, the Kaisar Tower business center, once privately owned, was transferred to the Kazakh National Women’s Pedagogical University. Another building in the city was handed over to the T. Zhurgenov Kazakh National Academy of Arts. In Astana, three mansions confiscated from corrupt officials are now being used by the municipal correction office serving children with disabilities. The state also reclaimed the Shevchenkivskoye deposit in Kostanay region – previously controlled by a convicted former vice minister – which contains nickel and cobalt reserves valued at over 5.6 trillion tenge. Internationally, meanwhile, Kazakhstan has reclaimed assets from Austria, France, Liechtenstein, the UAE, Turkey, Russia, and other countries.

Not all recovered assets are properties or cash. In May 2025, authorities transferred a seized collection of jewelry and artifacts dating from the 7th century BC to the 3rd century AD to the National Museum. The items, crafted in the Scythian “animal style,” had been seized from a corrupt official. By preserving these artifacts, the state emphasized that cultural heritage as well as financial wealth belong to the public.

Image: Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Addressing the Education Crisis and Building Social Infrastructure

One of the most pressing areas where recovered assets are being deployed is education. Kazakhstan is currently facing a chronic shortage of school places due to a growing population and years of underinvestment. In June 2025, the Anti-Corruption Agency (Antikor) reported that 153.3 billion KZT, (approximately $329 million), had been allocated from recovered funds to the Education Infrastructure Support Fund. These resources are financing the construction of 89 schools designed to accommodate 100,000 students. Sixty-one schools have already been completed; the remaining 28 are scheduled to open in 2025.

Beyond education, 406 development projects supported by returned assets are currently underway across Kazakhstan. These include healthcare initiatives, water supply systems, and sports facilities. Nearly all regions have projects funded by recovered money. In the Akmola region, for example, confiscated assets are being used to build new water pipelines for towns facing shortages. Similar initiatives are taking place in Turkestan, Aktobe, and other provinces. In the health sector, resources are supporting the construction of hospitals, outpatient clinics, and specialized care centers.

Repurposing the Assets of the Former Elite

The campaign has also reached into the business empires of former political elites. Prominent figures tied to the Nazarbayev era, including Kairat Satybaldy and Kairat Boranbayev, have returned vast assets to the state through settlements and court rulings. Satybaldy’s holdings, valued at hundreds of millions of dollars, were confiscated after his 2022 arrest, while Boranbayev handed over oil fields, commercial centers, and cash payments in exchange for lighter sentences. These high-profile cases demonstrate the government’s determination to dismantle oligarchic wealth and reinvest it into public needs.

The sale of seized luxury assets continues. Jewelry, watches, cars, and even private aircraft have been auctioned, with proceeds going directly into the Special State Fund. In 2025, auctions raised millions of dollars, and the state expects these revenues to grow as more cases are concluded. In addition to funding schools and hospitals, recovered wealth has been directed toward sports infrastructure and cultural projects, reflecting a broader effort to demonstrate visible, tangible benefits to the population.

Kazakhstan’s strategy to recover and repurpose stolen wealth reflects a dual objective: to strengthen the rule of law by ensuring that corrupt officials cannot enjoy ill-gotten gains, and to visibly channel these resources into projects that improve everyday life, from classrooms to clean water. By converting mansions into schools and using confiscated billions to build infrastructure, the government is underscoring its message that corruption has consequences and restitution has rewards.

The national effort is ongoing and evolving, with officials continuing to pursue asset recovery cases abroad while monitoring the effective use of funds at home. While skepticism remains among parts of the public given Kazakhstan’s long history of elite corruption, the scale of the returned assets and the speed at which they are being converted into public projects mark a significant shift. If sustained, the program could serve as a regional example of how to turn the legacy of corruption into tangible social benefits.

09 Sep 2025

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Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan Finalize $555 Million Investment and Trade Agreement

September 9, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

Kazakhstan’s Senate on September 4 ratified a bilateral agreement with Turkmenistan aimed at bolstering mutual investment and economic cooperation, Kazinform reported. The agreement, which sets out conditions for the promotion and protection of investments, is expected to create a more transparent and predictable environment for investors from both countries.

Senator Amangeldy Nugmanov emphasized that the agreement provides comprehensive legal safeguards for investment across all sectors, from state-led initiatives to private enterprise. For the first time at the interstate level, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan have formalized clear guarantees to protect investor interests. The agreement includes provisions for dispute resolution, including access to international arbitration, and ensures fair and equal treatment for foreign investments.

Energy Sector as Strategic Priority

Energy cooperation figures prominently in the agreement. Kazakhstan has expressed readiness to invest in the development of Turkmenistan’s gas condensate fields and to support the expansion of pipeline infrastructure. Nugmanov highlighted a separate agreement signed between Kazakhstan’s QazaqGaz and Turkmenistan’s state concern Turkmengaz, describing it as a “golden bridge” that will enhance both nations’ economic prospects and contribute to regional energy security.

Trade and Transport Ties Expand

Senator Sergey Ershov noted that bilateral trade reached $555.7 million in 2024. Kazakh investors injected $16.1 million into Turkmenistan’s economy, while Kazakhstan received $400,000 in direct investment from Turkmenistan. Beyond energy, cooperation now includes rail, road, and maritime transport. Turkmenistan has also shown interest in modernizing armored vehicles and supplying spare parts to Kazakhstan.

During a summit held in April, the presidents of both countries agreed to target $1 billion in annual trade turnover in the near future. They also underscored the strategic importance of expanding cooperation in energy and transport. Key projects under discussion include Kazakhstan’s potential participation in Turkmenistan’s Galkynysh gas field and the development of the Turgundi-Herat-Kandahar-Spin Boldak railway. The rail line, which would pass through Afghanistan, is seen as a means of diversifying trade routes and unlocking new regional markets.