FBRK.KZ

Kazakhstan's economy grew by 3% in the first quarter of 2026, despite a notable decline in the oil sector. The key factor behind this resilience was the strengthening of non-resource industries and a shift in the structure of growth.

In Kyrgyzstan, former Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for National Security of the Kyrgyz Republic, Timur Shabdanbekov, has been detained on suspicion of abuse of office. According to media reports, six other committee employees, as well as a number of former officials and business representatives, have also been detained in connection with the same case. Official bodies have not disclosed details of the investigation and have not specified the circumstances of the case.

In Pavlodar, a ground collapse approximately six metres deep occurred during excavation work. Five people were trapped under the rubble, two of whom died and three were injured. Rescuers extracted the injured, and they received medical assistance. The police have launched an investigation, and compliance with safety protocols at the site is being reviewed.

In Ust-Kamenogorsk, student Olzhas Auelbekov, who intervened in a conflict on a bus and stood up for underage girls, received an award from Majilis deputy Lukbek Tumashinov. The incident occurred on 13 March, after which all participants were taken to the police. According to the Department of Internal Affairs of the East Kazakhstan Region, one man was held accountable for harassment, while the student himself was charged with petty hooliganism after using force.

In Kazakhstan, new rules for taking driving tests have been approved. Citizens are now allowed an unlimited number of paid retakes, with a minimum interval of ten days between attempts. Artificial intelligence technologies are also being introduced, oversight of the exam process is being strengthened, and administrative liability for violations is being imposed. Additionally, requirements for driving schools are being tightened and their licensing is under consideration.

In the Abai region, a competitor of the winner of a road repair tender worth around 2 billion tenge has sent a complaint to journalist Mikhail Kozachkov. The appeal alleges that the limited liability partnership "KazNIPI DORTRANS" may have provided false information about its experience, including disputed documents and data concerning work on the "Taldykorgan – Kalbatau – Ust-Kamenogorsk" route. This stated experience was accepted by the customer, NC KazAvtoZhol JSC, despite doubts previously raised.

In the village of Praporshchikovo, due to the rising level of the Irtysh, the erosion of the riverbank has worsened, bringing it closer to residential houses. Residents report a long-standing problem and the decreasing distance to the buildings. Authorities claim there is no threat and plan to continue reinforcing the bank after the water subsides.

In the village of Ulyanovka, Karaganda Region, a fragment of cladding material from a cultural building fell on a three-year-old child. The child was hospitalised, and the police have opened a criminal case regarding the provision of services that do not meet safety requirements. The circumstances of the incident are being established.

In Atyrau, following internal investigations by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the head of the city police department and several unit leaders have been suspended. The department reported identified disciplinary violations, weak oversight, and problems in the organisation of work. The inspections are carried out on a regular basis as part of the internal control system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

In Ust-Kamenogorsk, the opening of a shoe shop was accompanied by a crush due to a massive influx of visitors attracted by free distributions of plov, candy floss and 100 pairs of shoes. At the end of the event, people began to push and shove, trying to get treats and gifts. The situation nearly led to injuries and became an example of the risks involved in organising mass events with free offerings.