What they said

Sharafat Zaman, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s health ministry, urged the international community to step in, “We need it because here lots of people lost their lives and houses.” Another health ministry spokesperson, Abdul Maten Qanee, said all government teams had been mobilised, “Comprehensive and full support is being provided, from security to food and health.” Survivors described harrowing scenes. Muhammad Aziz, a labourer from Kunar’s Nur Gul district, told the Guardian that he lost 10 relatives, including five children; “The poor people in this area have lost everything. There is death in every home, and beneath the rubble of each roof, there are dead bodies. The mud houses have been wiped away, and destruction is everywhere. People are desperately seeking help.”

The project responds to frequent energy crises caused by extreme weather, aiming to make the country’s systems more climate-resilient. Public buildings will be upgraded with insulation, energy-efficient windows, solar panels, and heat pumps, with measures expected to significantly reduce energy consumption and improve comfort year-round.

In parallel, clean transport pilots will introduce electric vehicles, charging stations, and real-time air quality monitoring.

Japan is contributing advanced technology and financing through the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) , which allows for emissions reduction cooperation under the Paris Agreement.

The initiative is part of Uzbekistan’s national goal to cut emissions by 35% and raise clean energy to 25% by 2030.

Beyond emissions, the project promises practical benefits like lower energy bills, improved public health, and more stable indoor climates during extreme heat or cold.

“This project is not just about the environment. It’s about comfort, health, and a sustainable future,” UNDP and the national Agency for Energy Efficiency noted.

Other countries are advancing with decarbonization efforts, with China leading the way, where one of its cities, Shenzhen, became the world’s first city to fully electrify its bus network, deploying 16,000 electric buses by late 2017. This shift cuts fuel use by 345,000 barrels and reduces CO₂ emissions by approximately 1.35 million tonnes annually. The city also built 8,000 charging points and 510 charging stations to support the fleet. Other countries include Chile, Russia, Denmark, Norway and South Africa.  

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) leads various global decarbonization initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development with key efforts including, Carbon Payments for Development (CP4D) Facility , launched in 2021, to help developing countries access carbon markets and implement emission-reducing projects, Greening Moonshot initiative to reduce carbon footprint by 50% by 2030 through energy-efficient upgrades, saving millions while cutting emissions by over 3,500 tonnes annually.

Disclaimer: The image for the article was AI-generated

A recent infographic published by The World in Maps provides a visual overview of nations enforcing various levels of hijab bans, highlighting the nuanced and often controversial approaches to religious expression across Central Asia.

The map outlines three categories of restrictions:

Full Public Ban: Tajikistan stands out for its comprehensive ban on the hijab in public spaces. The government has been enforcing strict dress codes in the name of preserving secularism and curbing foreign religious influence.

Bans in Public Institutions: Countries like Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan prohibit the wearing of hijabs in government offices and educational institutions. These measures are often positioned as efforts to uphold a secular public sphere inherited from Soviet-era governance models.

Partial Restrictions: Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan implement more nuanced restrictions, where the hijab is discouraged or limited in certain formal or public contexts but not outright banned.

Historical and Political Context

Most of the countries depicted were part of the former Soviet Union, where state atheism suppressed religious practices for decades. Even after gaining independence in the early 1990s, many of these governments retained strict secular governance structures.

The hijab, often associated with Islamic revivalism, has been viewed by these states as a political symbol rather than a personal or religious choice.

Authorities have justified these bans under the banner of national security, modernity, and gender equality. However, critics argue they violate individual rights to freedom of religion and expression.

Public Reaction and Controversy

In many of these countries, the bans have sparked protests, particularly among younger, devout Muslim women who see the hijab as an integral part of their identity.

International human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have condemned the measures as discriminatory and a violation of international covenants on religious freedom.

Conversely, government supporters often defend the bans as necessary measures to curb extremism and maintain secularism in multicultural, multi-ethnic societies.

Global Implications

The debate around the hijab extends far beyond Central Asia. Western nations such as France and Belgium have also enacted public bans on religious clothing , triggering global discussions on Islamophobia, integration, and multiculturalism. However, restrictions in Muslim-majority countries raise particularly complex questions about the nature of state-religion relations within Islamic contexts.

While the US Government hasn’t directly funded HIV-specific programs in Uzbekistan, critical initiatives in civic space, human rights, education, and advocacy have relied heavily on US support. According to UNAIDS , with these programmes now closed, organisations working on HIV-related legal reforms, anti-discrimination, and rights-based healthcare access face greater challenges in pushing for policy change. UN agencies are seeking new funding sources to sustain key initiatives, engaging with embassies, the EU, and the Uzbek government to fill the gap left by US funding.

Uzbekistan ranks among the top military powers in Central Asia

According to Global Firepower’s 2025 ranking, Uzbekistan ranks 58th with a Power Index score of 1.1121 (lower scores indicate stronger military power). The country fields 192 aircraft, including 58 combat jets, 13 attack aircraft, 101 helicopters, and 34 attack helicopters. Uzbekistan holds the second-strongest military in Central Asia, following Kazakhstan (57th). Turkmenistan ranked 77th, Kyrgyzstan 105th, and Tajikistan 108th.

715,000 people to get access to drinking water for the first time this year

This year, Uzbekistan plans to build 1,619 km of water pipelines, 521 km of sewer networks, and renovate 162 infrastructure facilities, providing clean drinking water to 715,000 people and sewage access to 135,000 households. Additionally, 157,000 consumers will receive modern water meters. At a meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, emphasis was placed on boosting private partnerships and local firms’ participation in international tenders, Gazeta reports. The president also approved simplified procedures with international financial institutions and called for fast-tracking $850 million worth of projects by year-end.

Uzbekistan and Qatar strengthen economic and parliamentary ties

On March 19, 2025, Senate Chair Tanzila Narbaeva met with Qatar’s Ambassador Hasan Hamza Asad Muhammad Hashim to discuss strengthening Uzbek-Qatari ties. The meeting focused on expanding cooperation in political, trade, economic, and investment sectors while emphasizing the importance of inter-parliamentary relations as a key pillar of bilateral partnership, as reported by The Pinnacle Gazette .

Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan discuss expanding air travel

Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are exploring new air travel routes to boost tourism and business ties, according to the Kyrgyz Trade Representation in Uzbekistan. The initiative was discussed during a meeting between Aero Nomad Airlines and Uzbek tour operators. TTW reports that CEO Timur Aralbaev presented the airline’s capabilities, with both sides expressing strong interest in expanding flight options to meet growing demand and enhance regional connectivity.

"We have evidence from both the exterior and interior of the aircraft showing that shrapnel passed through it," Tytelman explained. "This indicates the involvement of an air defense missile, which contains hundreds of steel balls designed to shred through the fuselage. The markings on the plane's tail are consistent with such damage, suggesting the missile exploded above the aircraft."

Tytelman ruled out alternative explanations, such as a bird strike or an onboard explosion, citing the nature of the impact on the fuselage and the evidence captured by passengers during the flight. Videos and photos reportedly show signs of depressurization, holes inside the aircraft, and punctured life jackets.

"The hydraulic system was likely affected, making it difficult to control the plane toward the end of the flight," Tytelman added.

While the Azerbaijan Ministry of Health had initially suggested other possible causes, including a balloon explosion, the missile theory has emerged as the leading explanation. Official investigations are ongoing, and authorities have urged against speculation until their findings are released.

Dissanayake, 55, who won the presidential election in a landslide victory, campaigned on promises to reverse unpopular tax hikes, raise public sector wages, and seek a better deal with the IMF. 

However, experts warn that the new leader has little room to manoeuvre. "There are certain red lines that the IMF will not agree to negotiate," says Murtaza Jafferjee, chairman of Colombo-based economic think tank Advocata.

Among these non-negotiable terms are key fiscal targets and the independence of the central bank. "One is on the fiscal side, the primary balance target which is 2.3 percent going into next year. And the second one is that there cannot be any change to the central bank law, which makes the bank independent where its primary mandate is price stability. And the second is that there is no monetary financing," Jafferjee explained.

Sri Lanka’s economic troubles began as a result of an unprecedented financial meltdown two years ago, leaving the country with unsustainable debt and a severe balance of payments crisis. 

Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) President Jin Liqun met to discuss expanding strategic cooperation between Uzbekistan and the AIIB. They solidified their collaboration with the signing of a $4 billion Cooperation Roadmap. The meeting also proposed drafting a long-term Strategic Partnership Programme for infrastructure development until 2030, focusing on public-private partnerships and poverty alleviation strategies.

Importation of natural gas totalling $1.15 billion

The energy sector in Uzbekistan is witnessing transformative growth, demonstrated by the surge in natural gas imports. From January to August 2023, the country imported $1.15 billion of natural gas—a nearly six-fold increase compared to the same timeframe last year, with August alone contributing $168.3 million. Additionally, gas exports have also risen, tallying up to $404.8 million, marking a 7.1% increase over the previous year, which signifies a robust upward trend in the energy market, Daijiworld  reports.

China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project

The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project aimed at enhancing connectivity across Central Asia is scheduled for completion within five years. Spanning over 450 km, the railway project, predominantly funded by China is estimated to cost $1.34 billion, Azer News reports. This initiative is a critical segment of the New Silk Road transport corridor, integrating Central Asian nations into the wider European railway network and supporting regional economic integration, with total investments in related projects anticipated to reach approximately $8 billion.

Qatar, Uzbekistan review bilateral ties

During the 9th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Samarkand, southeastern Uzbekistan, President Mirziyoyev engaged in discussions with Qatar's Finance Minister Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari on strategies for enhancing bilateral economic and trade relations between both nations. According to the Peninsular Qatar , the discussion also emphasised the role of resilient infrastructure in achieving global developmental objectives.

Bangladesh seeks market access for goods in Uzbekistan

Bangladesh's Economic Relations Division (ERD) Secretary, Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky in a bilateral meeting, advocated for better market access for Bangladeshi goods in Uzbekistan, highlighting sectors like ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, and jute yarn. This dialogue, set against the backdrop of rich historical ties, focused on expediting bilateral agreements, direct flight operations, and visa process simplification—all aimed at facilitating improved business and tourism relations. Uzbekistan Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov expressed the Uzbek government’s commitment to economic engagement with Bangladesh, underscoring the potential for dynamic trade relations between these two nations, local media BSS News reports.

These women consider the opportunity a renewed hope for a better future. 

"I'm so happy and glad I can study again because becoming a doctor is my dream," Masuma Zakii who had her education interrupted when the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021 told the AFP.

Zahra Hussaini, a 20-year-old medical student, expressed how moving to Scotland gave her new hope. "It has given me hope for a better future. I can become a doctor, be financially independent, and serve my family and community to the best of my ability," she said.

Hussaini further aspires to become a surgeon, a role desperately needed in her home country adding that " Because it is a traditional society and generally when a woman is in need of surgery, if the surgeon is male, there is some restrictions from the family that the woman shouldn't be treated by a male surgeon. So I think that becoming a female surgeon in my own country would be, you know, something which can benefit myself and also my society."

The Taliban's return to power brought a rather severe interpretation of Islamic law , restricting women's rights, including education. 

Tajikistan has updated its parental responsibility law, now extending responsibility to all participants in the educational process. The revised legislation embodies a holistic strategy for the education and development of children in Tajikistan, engaging a diverse group of contributors while prioritising the safeguarding of children's rights. Its objective is to foster an educational setting that is more welcoming, secure, and nurturing, tackling contemporary issues like radicalism, aggression, and bias. According to Asia Plus , a key amendment includes the broadening and meticulous delineation of terminology within the statute. It unambiguously explicates terms such as "education," "development," and "guardians," thereby delineating the duties of everyone involved in the educational journey.

Bilateral ties

The Saudi-Tajik-Uzbek Parliamentary Friendship Committee from the Shoura Council, under the leadership of Dr. Muhammad Al-Jarba, initiated an official tour of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. In a media briefing, Dr Al-Jarba highlighted the tour's objective to bolster collaborative parliamentary ties with the legislative bodies of both Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, aiming to fortify relationships across all sectors, as reported by Saudi Gazette . He further emphasized the Shoura Council's dedication to proactive parliamentary and diplomatic endeavours that enhance mutual relations and align stances in global and regional assemblies on diverse matters, thereby promoting shared benefits. The committee plans to engage with their counterparts in the respective parliamentary friendship committees and meet with a range of officials during their visit to the two nations.

Polygamy on the rise

Polygamous marriages are on the rise in Tajikistan due to poverty, job opportunities abroad, and societal pressures. Many women see it as their only way to secure financial security. Economic challenges and limited job opportunities have led to almost 1 million of Tajikistan's estimated 9 million residents seeking work abroad. The money they send home significantly supports numerous households, accounting for 20-30% of the nation's GDP, as reported by the World Bank and World Economic Forum. This economic dynamic partly explains why numerous divorced women in Tajikistan endorse the concept of men having multiple wives. Asia Plus highlights that polygamous unions are predominantly pursued by wealthier men, and many women view this as a viable path to ensure financial stability for themselves and their offspring.

Punishment for soothsaying

Tajikistan has escalated its legal penalties for engaging in activities like soothsaying and conducting "healing sessions" for the ill and disabled, intensifying its crackdown on individuals practising fortune-telling, sorcery, or witchcraft, as per recent updates reported by Radio Liberty's Tajik Service, the country's Penal Code amendments now impose stricter consequences, including potential imprisonment of up to two years or substantial monetary penalties reaching 144,000 somonis (approximately US$13,350). This marks a significant shift from the 2008 legislation that prohibited soothsaying under the category of witchcraft but did not include jail time, and had set the maximum fine for fortune-telling at 3,000 somonis (US$280), as reported by Asia Plus .

Hijab banned

In a recent legislative move that has ignited considerable debate, Tajikistan has introduced a ban on the hijab. Supported by President Emomali Rahmon's government, this law is a component of a wider initiative purportedly designed to uphold the country's cultural heritage and counteract radicalism. The Majlisi Milli, Tajikistan's higher chamber of parliament, ratified a bill last Thursday, June 20, prohibiting "foreign clothing," specifically addressing the hijab traditionally worn by Muslim women. This legislation is one of 35 religiously oriented statutes intended to limit what the authorities consider foreign influences. The repercussions for non-compliance are stringent, with fines starting at nearly EUR 700 (USD750) for ordinary citizens to about EUR 5,000 (USD5,360) for religious figures, Roya News reports.