Category Archives: News and analysis

Trial on the merits begins in Tashkent against pro-Russian blogger Aziz Hakimov

On July 3, the Shaykhantakhur District Criminal Court of Tashkent began hearing the criminal case against blogger Aziz Hakimov, known online as Comrade Aziz, on the merits. The proceedings are being held behind closed doors. The author of this article was also present outside the courthouse but was not allowed to attend the hearing. July

Census finds Uzbekistan has 810,000 more residents than statistical estimates showed

Preliminary results of the first population and agricultural census in the history of independent Uzbekistan showed that the country’s population reached 39,047,321 people. This is 810,617 more than the current statistical estimate, which put the population at 38,236,704. The census was conducted from January 15 to February 28, 2026. According to the post-enumeration survey, it

Central Bank fines Uzum Bank, Ipoteka-bank and several other financial institutions

The Central Bank of Uzbekistan said it has strengthened oversight of compliance with consumer rights in the financial services sector. Following inspections conducted in the first quarter of 2026, the regulator identified violations at the microfinance organizations Shaffof-moliya and Tezcoin, as well as at Uzum Bank and Ipoteka-bank. “The Central Bank is carrying out systematic

Life expectancy in Uzbekistan has increased by 9 years since 1991 — statistics

The average life expectancy of Uzbekistan’s permanent population reached 75.4 years in 2025. This was reported by the National Statistics Committee. According to the agency, the indicator increased by 9 years compared to 1991. At that time, the average life expectancy was 66.4 years. According to the statistics, life expectancy reached 69.1 years in 1995,

Salaries, pensions and benefits to increase in Uzbekistan: what will change from July 1 and September 1, 2026

The government will increase salaries, pensions, scholarships and social benefits under Presidential Decree No. PF-115, signed on June 23, 2026. Some changes will take effect on July 1, while others will come into force on September 1. Pensions and benefits to rise by 7% from July 1 Starting July 1, 2026, pensions, social benefits, child

Central Bank publishes anti-ranking of banks by number of customer complaints

The Central Bank of Uzbekistan has published a list of commercial banks with the highest customer complaint index for the first quarter of 2026. According to the regulator, the index shows how the share of complaints about a bank submitted to the Central Bank and other government agencies compares with the bank’s share of customers

Agreement signed for public-private partnership on new Tashkent airport

Uzbekistan Airports and an international consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Vision Invest have signed a public-private partnership (PPP) agreement for the construction and operation of a new international airport in Tashkent, the company said on June 17. The consortium also includes Japan’s Sojitz Corporation and South Korea’s Incheon International Airport Corporation. The agreement was signed

Mishustin in Tashkent: What Uzbekistan and Russia discussed amid growing trade and the launch of the nuclear power plant project

On June 16, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev received Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who arrived in Tashkent to participate in the Fifth Tashkent International Investment Forum. During the day, the Russian prime minister also held talks with Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov and Head of the Presidential Administration Saida Mirziyoyeva. According to published transcripts and

Renovation, Uzbek-style: what the law promises property owners and what it leaves unsaid

Uzbekistan has adopted the law “On Urban Development Renovation,” which is intended to define the procedure for renewing the old housing stock. Authorities say the program will allow the replacement of dilapidated and outdated buildings with modern housing, improve infrastructure, and raise the quality of the urban environment. However, for thousands of property owners the