Arrests, Agreements and the Afghanistan-Pakistan Conflict

This week, we examine a series of significant developments across Central Asia, from the deepening fallout of Kyrgyzstan's political power struggle, with fresh arrests, widening investigations, and reports of military build-ups in one of the country's key districts, to a meeting of the Organisation of Turkic States carrying implications that could reverberate well into the rest of the year. We also look at Kazakhstan's announcement of a new oil discovery so substantial it comes close to rivalling Kashagan, alongside the decision by four of Central Asia's five states to dispatch aid convoys in support of the humanitarian response in Iran, as well as a notable diplomatic development where two neighbouring states are finally moving to establish formal relations for the first time since 2021. Before finally turning to the escalating conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan, where some of the heaviest fighting in months is raising fresh questions about border stability, regional security, and the risk of wider spillover. 

On the show this week:

- Christine Fair (Georgetown University)

Hosted by Bruce Pannier and Michael Hilliard

Proudly brought to you by The Times of Central Asia and The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs.

For more info, please visit:

-The Times of Central Asia (https://timesca.com/)
- The Oxus Society (https://oxussociety.org/)

Follow us on Twitter on

- Spotlight on Central Asia (@SLonCentralAsia)
- Bruce Pannier (@BrucePannier)
- Michael Hilliard (@MikeHilliardAus)
- The Times of Central Asia (@TheTimesoCA)
- The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs (@OxusSociety)