News of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek and Osh — latest events today
Local news

"For the Final Liquidation of Organized Crime Groups." The Housing Committee Approved Amendments to the Criminal Code

During the meeting, the committee chairman Bolotbek Borbieyev emphasized that the draft law is designed to finally eliminate organized crime. It plans to introduce the concept of recidivism for crimes and address issues related to the confiscation of property. It is worth noting that the concept of recidivism and the increased responsibility for it were abolished in 2019 with the new edition of the Criminal Code.

17.02.2026, 18:36
Cholpon Jakupova: Public "Special Operations" for Detaining Law Enforcement Officers: Some Gloat, Others Are Curious
Local news

Cholpon Jakupova: Public "Special Operations" for Detaining Law Enforcement Officers: Some Gloat, Others Are Curious

“Again, departmental conflicts, humiliations, and mask shows” Cholpon Jakupova, a human rights activist, expressed her concern on social media regarding the ongoing detentions of security personnel. “The country has been witnessing open 'special operations' to detain security officials for several days now. Some rejoice, saying, 'Now it's your turn,' while others watch with curiosity. Yet others simply tiredly state: 'Let them take each other down, it's their

17.02.2026, 18:21
Residents of the Issyk-Kul Region Felt the Earthquake in Kazakhstan
Local news

Residents of the Issyk-Kul Region Felt the Earthquake in Kazakhstan

At 16:08 on February 17, the Institute of Seismology of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic recorded an earthquake with an epicenter of approximately 5 points on the MSK-64 scale, with a magnitude of 5.1. According to preliminary data, the epicenter was located in Kazakhstan, 65 kilometers northeast of the village of Ananyevo and 70 kilometers northeast of Almaty.

17.02.2026, 17:55
Local news / Exclusive

In the Tyup District, the 37th anniversary of the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan was celebrated.

In the Tyup district, in the rural municipality of Karkyra, a cultural event was held dedicated to the 37th anniversary of the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan. According to a Turmush correspondent, three veterans who served in the Soviet army and reside in the villages of Sary-Toloy and Ken-Suu were invited to the event. The workers of the rural municipality expressed their gratitude to the veterans.

17.02.2026, 17:55
AUCA invites students in grades 9-11 to the mathematics olympiad
Local news

AUCA invites students in grades 9-11 to the mathematics olympiad

The prize winners and finalists will receive gifts and prizes. The American University of Central Asia (AUA) in collaboration with the AUA Innovation College is holding an annual math olympiad for students in grades 9-11 in Kyrgyzstan. The event will take place on February 22, 2026, at the AUA building, starting at 10:00 AM. Online registration for participants is open from February 7 to February 19. You can register at the following address: Finalists and prize winners of the olympiad will

17.02.2026, 17:14
Local news

New Drugs Banned: The List Will Be Expanded by 20 Substances

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic has presented for discussion a draft amendment to the document "On Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, Their Analogues and Precursors Subject to Control in the Kyrgyz Republic," approved on March 26, 2025, under number 152. The draft states that these changes are necessary for the implementation of the Law "On Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, Their Analogues and Precursors," as well as for improving the

17.02.2026, 17:12
Railway travel to Kars has become a trend in winter tourism
Local news

Railway travel to Kars has become a trend in winter tourism

The launch of the winter railway route on the Turkish Eastern Express between Ankara and Kars presents an amazing opportunity for tourists. This journey, lasting about 24 hours, offers magnificent landscapes, comfort, and elements of sustainable tourism, highlighting the growing interest in railway travel worldwide. The train departs three times a week in both directions. The most popular route is from Ankara to Kars, passing through cities such as Kırıkkale, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, and

17.02.2026, 17:07
When will the presidential elections in the KR take place? The Constitutional Court has given a final answer.
Local news / Exclusive

When will the presidential elections in the KR take place? The Constitutional Court has given a final answer.

The Constitutional Court of the Kyrgyz Republic has provided a clear answer to an important question regarding the timing of presidential elections, clarifying the provisions of the Constitution. On February 17, 2026, the highest constitutional body considered the president's request for the interpretation of Articles 67, 68, and 72 of the Constitution, adopted in the new edition of the Law on May 5, 2021, and concluded regarding the timing of elections. This interpretation also took into

17.02.2026, 17:04
Local news

The Supreme Court reviewed the appeal regarding the annulment of the elections in district No. 13

On February 17, the Supreme Court of the Kyrgyz Republic issued a ruling that upheld the decision of the Bishkek Administrative Court. This ruling concerned the lawsuit of Kanybek Bazarbaev, a candidate for deputy in district No. 13, who contested the cancellation of the elections that took place on March 1 at the initiative of the Central Election Commission. Recall that on February 16, 2026, the Administrative Court supported the decision of the Central Election Commission to cancel the

17.02.2026, 16:55
Local news

Why Have School Spring Breaks Been Reduced to One Day? Explanations from the Ministry of Education

The Ministry of Education explained why the school holidays will be unbalanced in the new academic year. In the department, it was noted that according to regulatory documents, students are entitled to 30 calendar days of rest throughout the year. Previously, these days were distributed over three periods: autumn (approximately 9 days), winter (12 days), and spring (9 days), not including public holidays.

17.02.2026, 16:53
In the USA, a collectible Pokémon card was sold for $16 million
Local news

In the USA, a collectible Pokémon card was sold for $16 million

Five years ago, Logan Paul purchased a rare Pikachu card for $5.275 million, which at the time set a world record. Now, having sold it for $16.492 million, he confirmed that it was a successful investment. This was reported by the Russian service of the BBC. The most expensive Pokémon card in history. The card in question is known as the Pikachu Illustrator and was one of only 39 copies released in 1998 for a Pokémon illustration contest.

17.02.2026, 16:49
The International Conference on Turkology will take place in Barnaul and Urgench.
Local news

The International Conference on Turkology will take place in Barnaul and Urgench.

The scientific conference dedicated to Turkology will take place on March 24–25 in two cities: Barnaul and Urgench. This event is organized by the Scientific and Educational Center "Great Altai" in collaboration with universities in Central Asia. The plenary session will be conducted in a video conference format, bringing together participants from both countries.

17.02.2026, 16:30
Local news

The Bishkek - Osh highway has been fully cleared

On February 17, at 12:10, two sections of the Chychkan gorge on the Bishkek - Osh highway experienced snow avalanches. This information was provided by the press service of the Ministry of Transport and Communications of the Kyrgyz Republic. As a result, traffic of all types of vehicles was restricted at the checkpoints "Sosnovka" and "Aral".

17.02.2026, 16:30
Local news

Philip Jessup International Law Competition: AUCA Team Takes First Place

The Central Asian rounds took place in Tashkent The Law Faculty of the American University of Central Asia (AUC) took first place in the national qualifying round of Central Asia as part of the prestigious Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition. This achievement will allow the team to represent Kyrgyzstan at the international rounds in Washington, D.C., USA! The competitions in Central Asia were held from February 6 to 8 in Tashkent, where the best teams from Kyrgyzstan,

17.02.2026, 16:03
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic will expand the list of narcotic and psychotropic substances subject to control
Local news

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic will expand the list of narcotic and psychotropic substances subject to control

The document was created to implement the requirements of both local and international legislation. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic has proposed to improve the list of controlled narcotic and psychotropic substances, as well as their analogs and precursors. This draft law has been presented for public discussion. The purpose of the document is to comply with the norms of the Criminal Code and the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as to

17.02.2026, 15:51
The State National Security Committee refuted rumors of a confrontation between law enforcement agencies amid inspections of former employees.
Local news / Exclusive

The State National Security Committee refuted rumors of a confrontation between law enforcement agencies amid inspections of former employees.

The State Committee for National Security of the Kyrgyz Republic (GKNB) has refuted information about an alleged conflict between various law enforcement agencies amid ongoing checks of former employees. The press service of the agency stated that some false reports are deliberately created to create the impression of a confrontation between departments. However, they said this does not reflect reality and is aimed at undermining trust in state structures.

17.02.2026, 15:29
Breeding livestock will help reduce pasture degradation in Kyrgyzstan — Ministry of Agriculture
Local news / Exclusive

Breeding livestock will help reduce pasture degradation in Kyrgyzstan — Ministry of Agriculture

During the broadcast of the program Ala-Too Live, the First Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic, Zhanibek Kerimaliev, emphasized that in the fight against pasture degradation, it is more important to improve the quality of livestock rather than increase their quantity. This issue has become a relevant topic for the upcoming agro-industrial forum "Agrodialog-2026". According to the representative of the Ministry of

17.02.2026, 15:21
Mayor of Bishkek: New plant processes 1,200 tons of waste per day
Local news

Mayor of Bishkek: New plant processes 1,200 tons of waste per day

A meeting of the Environmental Council was held at the sanitary landfill in Bishkek, during which public hearings were organized. The location for the discussion was chosen at the eco-technology plant, which processes solid household waste and generates electricity. The event was attended by the Mayor of Bishkek, Aibek Junushaliev, and representatives of city structures. Photo 24.kg. Waste processing plant The head of the capital emphasized that the choice of the venue for the meeting was made

17.02.2026, 15:19
Local news

The Cabinet approved a resolution regarding the illegal collection of funds in schools and kindergartens.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a new instruction for accounting for children of school and preschool age. According to resolution No. 108, signed on February 17, this step was taken to implement the provisions of Articles 102-2, 102-3, 102-4 of the Code of Offenses, aimed at protecting the rights of students in state and municipal educational institutions.

17.02.2026, 15:12
Adylbek Kasymaliev rated the work of the Osh region for 2025 as a three.
Local news

Adylbek Kasymaliev rated the work of the Osh region for 2025 as a three.

Adylbek Kasymaliev attended a meeting of the presidential representative's board. According to the press service of the Cabinet of Ministers, Adylbek Kasymaliev noted that the budget revenues of the region increased from 4.7 billion to 6.4 billion soms, but emphasized that this is not enough for stable development. According to information provided in the official statement, "the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers gave a number of instructions, including improving the quality of

17.02.2026, 15:11
Local news

Family as a Priority: Kyrgyzstan Strengthens Prevention of Social Risks

Recently, a memorandum was signed in Bishkek, which includes the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic, the public fund "League of Child Rights Defenders," and the Mother’s Home International Foundation. This step is considered significant for strengthening the system of assistance to families and children, as the document emphasizes the prevention of social risks, support for family-based upbringing, and the expansion of assistance to women in

17.02.2026, 15:09
Local news

Digital Accounting of Medical Equipment is Being Implemented in Hospitals of Kyrgyzstan

At a meeting held by Aibek Matkerimov, the First Deputy Minister of Health of Kyrgyzstan, with Indira Moldogazieva, a representative of the German Development Bank (KfW), and Kerez Kelishova, a project manager from the consulting company GITEC-IGIP, issues related to the implementation of a digital inventory system for medical equipment called SAMEDIS were discussed. This information was announced by the press service of the Ministry of Health. Employees of the relevant departments responsible

17.02.2026, 15:06
Local news / Exclusive

Life in the Regions: Beishen Sarakeev Talks About the Kyrgyz Drink That Improves Digestion During Feasts with Beshbarmak

"Ak serke" is a traditional Kyrgyz drink that aids digestion after hearty feasts, especially with beshbarmak. According to legend, the drink was created by an aksakal who, wishing to save his daughter-in-law from embarrassment due to overly salted shorpo, suggested adding kumys to it. Thus, "ak serke" was born—a combination of salty broth and sour kumys (or other fermented dairy products), giving it a unique taste and promoting better food absorption.

17.02.2026, 14:58
The Constitutional Court is considering the issue of the term of office of President Sadyr Japarov.
Local news

The Constitutional Court is considering the issue of the term of office of President Sadyr Japarov.

This initiative comes from the president himself Today, a discussion is taking place in the Constitutional Court regarding the term of office of President Sadyr Japarov, as reported by Deputy Aliyev on his Facebook page. He noted that he intends to consider this issue exclusively in a legal context, avoiding political aspects, and relying solely on the norms of legislation. According to the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic on the Constitution dated May 5, 2021 (Section Five, Article 3), a president

17.02.2026, 14:49
Children's oncology patients received medications, equipment, and books worth 740,000 soms
Local news / Exclusive

Children's oncology patients received medications, equipment, and books worth 740,000 soms

On February 15, the charitable foundation Help the Children - SKD held the event "Your Contribution Changes Lives!" at the oncology department of the National Center for Maternal and Child Health (NCMCH). The event was timed to coincide with the International Day dedicated to children suffering from cancer. According to the foundation, on this day, young patients in the oncology and hematology departments received support totaling 740,000 soms, which included:

17.02.2026, 14:31
Raids to Control Meat Prices Are Taking Place in Bishkek
Local news

Raids to Control Meat Prices Are Taking Place in Bishkek

Price tags and accompanying documents are being checked Raids aimed at controlling prices for meat and other essential products have begun in Bishkek. This information was provided by the city administration. On February 15, inspections took place with the participation of municipal employees, district administrations, as well as representatives from the Antimonopoly Service, veterinary authorities, tax services, and law enforcement agencies. During the inspections, not only are price tags

17.02.2026, 14:28
Local news / Exclusive

GKNB: Former Employees Will Face Legal Consequences, There Is No Conflict Between Law Enforcement Agencies

As part of the joint actions of the military prosecutor's office and the main investigative department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, an investigation has been initiated against some former employees of the State National Security Committee (GKNB). This is related to suspicions of abuse of official powers, as reported by the press center of the state committee. According to the information provided, all activities were conducted in full compliance with the law

17.02.2026, 14:28
Local news

For the delay in pensions, scholarships, and benefits, it is proposed to mandate the payment of penalties

At the meeting of the committee on judicial and legal issues, law enforcement, combating crime, and countering corruption of the Jogorku Kenesh, changes to several laws were discussed. According to the draft law prepared by the cabinet of ministers, if the delay in the payment of pensions, scholarships, and benefits exceeds five days, a penalty of 0.15 percent of the debt amount will be charged for each day of delay.

17.02.2026, 14:26
The Bishkek–Osh Highway is temporarily closed due to avalanche activity.
Local news

The Bishkek–Osh Highway is temporarily closed due to avalanche activity.

Traffic has been suspended at the Sosnovka and Aral checkpoints. Active work is underway to clear the road. At 12:10 on February 17, two sections of the Chychkan gorge, located on the Bishkek–Osh highway, experienced snow avalanches. As a result, temporary restrictions for all vehicles were imposed at the Sosnovka and Aral checkpoints. According to preliminary information, one of the avalanches is about 100 meters long and approximately 5 meters high. Specialized equipment has been deployed to

17.02.2026, 14:26
Argen Sigma and Sary Kyz will promote tourism in Kyrgyzstan
Local news

Argen Sigma and Sary Kyz will promote tourism in Kyrgyzstan

The Tourism Support Fund of Kyrgyzstan has signed an agreement with bloggers for media collaboration. As part of efforts to develop Kyrgyzstan's tourism industry, bloggers Argen Sigma and Sary Kyz will act as ambassadors. This was announced in a statement from the Tourism Development Support Fund. The parties signed a memorandum that outlines joint efforts to promote the country's tourism opportunities through social media and other media formats until the end of 2026. Argen Sigma is

17.02.2026, 14:19
The Housing Committee supported the bill aimed at combating organized crime groups.
Local news / Exclusive

The Housing Committee supported the bill aimed at combating organized crime groups.

At the meeting of the Committee of the Jogorku Kenesh on issues of the judicial system, law enforcement, and combating crime, the draft law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the KR (to the Criminal Executive Code of the KR, the Criminal Code of the KR, the Criminal Procedure Code of the KR)" was approved in the second reading. The chairman of the committee, Bolotbek Borbiev, emphasized that this draft law is aimed at strengthening measures against

17.02.2026, 14:13
In 2025, 16 new school buildings were put into operation in the Osh region.
Local news

In 2025, 16 new school buildings were put into operation in the Osh region.

During his working trip to the Osh region, the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Head of the President's Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic, Adylbek Kasymaliev, participated in the grand opening of a school in the village of Zhylandy, located in the Uzgen district. Speaking at the ceremony, the head of the government noted that the previous school building had been in operation for 50 years. A total of 152 million soms was allocated from the republican budget for the

17.02.2026, 14:07
A snow avalanche has descended on the Bishkek–Naryn–Torugart highway.
Local news

A snow avalanche has descended on the Bishkek–Naryn–Torugart highway.

A temporary reversible traffic regime has been established at the 291st kilometer of the highway A snow avalanche has descended at the 291st kilometer of the Bishkek–Naryn–Torugart road, near the Kara-Unkur gorge. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Transport and Communications. Currently, the section of the road is open for traffic in one lane — vehicles are being allowed to pass in turns. The exact volume of snow that has come down from the mountains is still being

17.02.2026, 14:00
Local news

Attention! The Bishkek - Osh highway is temporarily closed

On February 17, 2026, at 12:10, snow avalanches occurred in two sections of the Chychkan Gorge, located on the Bishkek - Osh highway, as reported by the press service of the Ministry of Transport and Communications of the Kyrgyz Republic. As a result, the border crossing points "Sosnovka" and "Aral" are temporarily closed to all vehicles.

17.02.2026, 13:43