Latest news with #Kyrgyz
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
DPM Dar joins SCO FMs in meeting with President Xi
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar represented Pakistan on Tuesday during a joint call of foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states with Chinese President Xi Jinping. President Xi, in his address to the visiting foreign ministers, underscored the importance of regional cooperation under the SCO framework — a body spanning the Eurasian landmass and representing a significant portion of the global population. Delighted to meet earlier today with President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Conveyed the warm greetings of the leadership, government and people of Pakistan. As iron-clad brothers and All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partners, we remain committed to… — Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) July 15, 2025 On the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Dar also held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. In a meeting with Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Kulubaev Zheenbek Moldokanovic at the Great Hall in Tianjin, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the longstanding Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan relationship and expressed interest in expanding cooperation across areas of mutual interest. Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister @MIshaqDar50 arrived in Tianjin from Beijing along with other Foreign Ministers for the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers' Meeting. — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 15, 2025 Separately, DPM Dar met Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu. The two leaders reiterated their resolve to deepen bilateral ties and enhance collaboration in regional and multilateral fora. Dar also held meetings with the foreign ministers of other SCO member states on the sidelines of the joint call with President Xi. Good to catch up with Foreign Ministers of Iran, Uzbekistan, and Belarus on the sidelines of the SCO CFM in Beijing, just before our joint call on Chinese President Xi at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Always good to exchange views for strengthening regional… — Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) July 15, 2025 'Valuable opportunity to exchange views and reinforce regional cooperation during these challenging times,' he posted on X following his meetings with the foreign ministers of Iran, Uzbekistan, and Belarus.
The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- The Irish Sun
How screaming schoolgirls are bundled into cars, raped & forced to marry strangers by gangs in sick brideknapping ritual
IN a picturesque street overlooked by world-famous mountains, a schoolgirl screams, 'No! Mum!' as she's grabbed by the arms and bundled into a car by a gang of drunk men. Just feet away, locals carry on with their days, ignoring the waning cries of the terrified teenager as she's driven away from her family and friends to become a stranger's bride. Advertisement 11 More than 10,000 women and girls are thought to be victims of the practice every year Credit: Youtube/VICE 11 Protestors in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, hold signs demanding the resignation of the interior ministry's leadership following the murder of a kidnapped bride Credit: Reuters 11 The moment a visibly distraught schoolgirl is abducted from her family to marry her abductor Credit: Youtube/VICE This is While many of these traumatised brides are beaten, raped, or put to work as slaves for their new in-laws, some are strangled or stabbed to death for refusing to accept their fate. Advertisement Others, tragically, are driven to suicide. 'I felt awful pressure from all sides,' recalled one 18-year-old survivor of bride kidnapping. 'I had horrible depression, and I decided to die.' Kyrgyzstan, a landlocked country next to China , is considered a 'bucket list' destination for British travellers - with one English aristocrat recently gushing about her 'adoration' for it. 'It's where I feel the most alive, with each day lived so simply and deeply embedded in the most beautiful landscapes,' Countess Alexandra Tolstoy posted on Instagram last month. Yet the country's stunning mountain ranges, jaw-dropping glaciers and popular hiking trails mask a disturbing practice that has been justified by locals for decades as 'a tradition'. Advertisement The Sun has taken the decision to publish these distressing images as experts warn the plight of women in Kyrgyzstan desperately needs highlighting. Legal expert John McRay, of "Victims can be too afraid to speak out, and communities too quick to look the other way.' 10,000 stolen girls The practice of 'ala kachuu' - which roughly translates as "grab and run' - occurs in as many as half of Kyrgyz marriages, with supporters claiming a girl 'becomes happy through tears'. More than 10,000 women and girls are thought to be targeted by the practice every year, with many forced to abandon both their career dreams and loving relationships . Advertisement Experts have likened the actions of their abductors to those of UK-based grooming gangs - and are now warning that similar crimes are on the rise here. Horrifying video of woman being kidnapped by man intending to force her to marry sparks outrage in Russia 'Men [in Kyrgyzstan] will literally grab a young girl and run off with them, sometimes taking them from their school,' top UK criminal defence lawyer, Marcus Johnstone, tells The Sun. 'They are forced into marriage . They are raped and, as a result, cannot usually return to normal society because of the stigma.' I am seeing an increase in similar crimes in the UK as more and more towns around the country descend into chaos Marcus Johnstone, top UK criminal defence lawyer Marcus, who specialises in sex crime for Cheshire-based In rural Kyrgyz kidnappings, the groom first identifies a bride. This might be a girl he knows and desires - even if she has a boyfriend - or a stranger he's eyed up in the street. Advertisement Next , the groom and his pals carefully plot the abduction of the girl. In some cases, they recruit a friend of their unsuspecting victim to lure her to a specific place, at a specific time. Finally, the gang kicks off the abduction, stalking the girl in a car until they can grab her. 'Hold her feet down' Harrowing documentary footage, 'Our hearts are pounding,' remarks one of the men. The teen - who had dreamed of becoming a lawyer - shrieks, 'Let me go,' as she's shoved into the car then pinned down by the men, who keep her away from the open window. Advertisement 11 The practice of 'ala kachuu' - which roughly translates as 'grab and run' - occurs in as many as half of Kyrgyz marriages Credit: Youtube/VICE 11 Harrowing documentary footage, filmed by VICE, shows one kidnapping gang blasting out tunes and laughing about their nerves as they prepare to snatch a schoolgirl Credit: Youtube/VICE 11 'Hold her feet down,' one man orders his friend. The scene could be straight from a horror film , but it's a far-from-rare reality in Kyrgyzstan, which became independent following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Advertisement Another kidnapping victim, called Elmira, was just 17 when she was grabbed by 'five or six' booze-fuelled men, forced into a car, and driven two hours away from her home. 'I didn't have a choice, there were so many of them and I didn't have the strength to fight them off,' she bravely told the international charity , She added: 'The men were all drunk. I didn't know a single one of them. 'I only saw my 'husband' on the fourth day after being kidnapped.' Supporters of bride kidnappings claim that Kyrgyz girls are willing to be abducted: that their distress is simply a 'show' because they don't want to appear desperate to marry. Advertisement The girls know that saying 'no' is considered innocent and pure, the supporters allege. I didn't have a choice, there were so many of them and I didn't have the strength to fight them off. Kidnapping victim Elmira But another survivor , Feruza, insisted: 'I had never seen this man before and I didn't want to marry him. I didn't like it and I said, 'I don't want to live with you and I don't know you'.' After being snatched off the street, girls are typically taken to see the groom's female relatives - who isolate them from their own family and pressure them into marrying. 11 Kidnapper Madiev Tynchtyk and his bride Ormonova Elmira Credit: Youtube/VICE 11 Defending the ongoing practice, one self-confessed kidnapper, Madiev said: "We are Kyrgyz. It's a tradition, it's in our blood" Credit: Youtube/VICE Advertisement 'Calm down, honey,' says an older woman in the VICE documentary , while trying to force a white bridal scarf around the shoulders of the visibly distraught schoolgirl. 'You will be happy,' the woman promises her. Eventually, the broken teen agrees to marry the man. Such acceptance is hardly surprising, given the vulnerable position of kidnapping victims. Driven miles away from their hometowns, many girls don't know where they are. Advertisement 'CURSE' THREAT They might be banned from contacting their own families, threatened with 'curses' - which, living in a deeply superstitious country, they believe - and restrained on the ground. Others suffer sickening assaults at the hands of their abductors. 'He forced me to have sex with him the first night,' recalled Feruza, who, aged 17, was allegedly forced to lie to her parents that her abduction for marriage was voluntary. 'A woman came to say that they'd prepare my bed; I thought I'd be alone. 'I lay down to sleep , then he came in and he forced himself on me and raped me. Advertisement 'I was saying no and he still did it. I cried and screamed.' Heartbreakingly, girls like Feruza are viewed as 'ruined' once they've been raped. Blamed for 'disgracing' their entire families, they are often rejected by their parents. Even those who are not sexually assaulted are considered shameful and 'tainted' after spending the night in their kidnapper's home - with their virginity brought into question. 11 Kidnapping survivor Aisuluu said: "It stays with you for the rest of your life" Credit: Unicef Advertisement 'The woman, having 'dishonored' her family by spending the night in another man's house, faces overwhelming social pressure to marry him,' Irina Tsukerman, a New York-based human rights and national security lawyer, tells The Sun. 'Even if she manages to escape, she risks being ostracized or branded as 'damaged goods'.' In the hours that follow a kidnapping, a Muslim cleric typically marries the couple, a wedding feast is held, and the men involved in the abduction visit the home of the bride's family. Armed with gifts like vodka, food and cattle, they offer an apology for the kidnapping. But no apology can make up for what some brides go on to endure. One kidnapping victim, living in a remote village in Kyrgyzstan, spent a month in hospital after her abusive husband battered her on the forehead with a metal mug. Advertisement 'My husband said, 'If you tell the truth, when you come out of the hospital I will kill you',' the woman told HRW, adding that she was left fearing for both her and her children's lives. Other survivors recalled years of merciless beatings, while some described how their in-laws treated them as unpaid servants and followed them around the house - even to the toilet. And for a tragic few, bride kidnapping proves fatal. Merciless beatings In 2022, a 13-year-old kidnapping and sexual abuse survivor died by suicide. A year earlier, Aizada Kanatbekova, 27, was found strangled to death in an abandoned car outside the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek, just days after being abducted by a gang of men. Advertisement And in 2018, medical student Burulai Turdaaly Kyzy, 20, was stabbed to death by her kidnapper at a police station, after officers left the pair alone together in a room. Her killer was jailed for 20 years, while 23 officers were punished for neglect. Fortunately, some women and girls manage to escape their kidnappers, either shortly after their abduction or years down the line. Others insist they are happily married to them. One survivor, called Aisuluu, now in her 40s, has gone on to become an international trainer and coach. But despite her career success, Aisuluu The United Nations regards forced marriage, of any kind, as a human rights violation. Advertisement My husband said, 'If you tell the truth, when you come out of the hospital I will kill you' Kidnapping victim According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), an estimated 22million people globally were living in a forced marriage at any moment in time in 2021 - a shocking increase of 6.6million in just five years. But the organisation warns: 'The true incidence of forced marriage, particularly involving children aged 16 and younger, is likely far greater than current estimates can capture.' While bride kidnapping is officially a crime in Kyrgyzstan, charities and experts claim that men continue to abduct girls with impunity in parts of the country. Convictions are rare, victims are often afraid to speak out, and the phrase 'ancient tradition' is used as an excuse. 'Bride kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan isn't just a relic of the past - it's an abuse of power that thrives under the guise of tradition,' says Irina, president of Scarab Rising. But defending the ongoing practice, one self-confessed kidnapper, Madiev Tynchtyk, told VICE: 'We are Kyrgyz. It's a tradition, it's in our blood. Yes, we are breaking the law , but here everybody understands this [is] a tradition and you can't change it.' Advertisement However, recalling the start of their marriage, Tynchtyk's victim said: 'When we met the first time, I remember he asked me, 'Should I send my parents or should I just kidnap you?' 'I replied, 'Don't do it, I have a boyfriend.' 'And the second time we met, he just kidnapped me.' Even Kyrgyz police officers have spoken out in favour of bride kidnapping. In an interview with HRW in 2005, one senior cop claimed: 'Abduction, it's just called this. Ninety-nine percent of women agree to the kidnapping. I kidnapped my wife.' Advertisement 11 Londoner Kate Woodley, 25, owner of adventure travel company Stay Wild Travel, didn't find out about the kidnappings until speaking to locals Credit: Supplied 11 Marcus Johnstone, who specialises in sex crime for Cheshire-based PCD Solicitors warns of similar crimes increasing in the UK Credit: Supplied But while locals don't blink an eye at the so-called tradition, many tourists are oblivious to it. Londoner Kate Woodley tells us: 'People from Kyrgyzstan are some of the friendliest that I've met, so it's hard to imagine that bride kidnappings are still going on in the background.' Kate, 25, a content creator and owner of adventure travel company Advertisement 'I've travelled to nearly 60 countries, and Kyrgyzstan is one of the safest I've visited. People are incredibly friendly and helpful, without ever overstepping my boundaries,' she says. Describing the republic as 'an adventure traveller's dream with abundant hiking opportunities, mountains rising over 7,000m and hidden alpine lakes', she adds: 'I didn't know about the bride kidnappings before arriving in Kyrgyzstan. 'You don't see much in the news about Kyrgyzstan or Central Asia in general, so it wasn't until I was speaking to a local friend about life here that I found out about it. She told me that it's no longer common in cities like Bishkek, but it is still a problem in more rural areas.' Terrified of being abducted, some girls are reportedly fleeing Kyrgyzstan altogether. Taking to Reddit two years ago, one social media user wrote: 'I personally have two female friends from high school who left the country as soon as they turned 18. Advertisement 'Kyrgyzstan is hell for women.' The country is not the only hotspot for bride-kidnapping - Mexico , Russia , China , Kazakhstan, and the former Soviet republic of Georgia , too. My daughter was kidnapped in the village where we live. For three months, she struggled with that life and finally she committed suicide. Heartbroken mother of victim One British traveller, called Chloe , tells us a driver in Georgia made a disturbing 'joke' to her last summer , telling her: 'If I were 20 years younger, I'd kidnap you'. 'We laughed it off at the time but after me and my friend - also a younger woman - left, I quickly felt very weird about it,' recalls Chloe . But why do aspiring grooms resort to kidnappings in the first place? Advertisement Suggested reasons include a twisted reaction to 'love at first sight', a bet between friends, a fear of rejection, the groom's desire to assert his power , a way to avoid paying a 'kalym' (bride price), and the groom facing greater-than-normal challenges in finding a wife. According to HRW, men who are mentally or physically ill, or have criminal records, are seen as 'socially tainted'. Therefore, some view kidnapping as a guaranteed way to secure a wife. 'I eventually learned that my husband had been diagnosed [as] a schizophrenic,' Elmira, who was allegedly beaten for years by her abductor, told the charity. 'When I found this out was when I decided that I must leave him.' Whatever the excuse for bride kidnapping, one thing is certain: the crime affects not just the women and girls who are hauled off the street, but their devastated families, too. Advertisement 'My daughter was kidnapped in the village where we live,' said one heartbroken mother. 'For three months, she struggled with that life and finally she committed suicide. 'What do we have now? Nothing but sorrow.'
Time Business News
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Time Business News
Myktybek Orolbai: Kyrgyzstan's UFC Phenom is Just Getting Started
Baku, Azerbaijan – July 2025 — With a first-round finish that electrified fans and silenced critics, Myktybek Orolbai continues his meteoric rise in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The 27-year-old Kyrgyz fighter has rapidly become one of the most talked-about names in mixed martial arts, combining raw power, elite-level grappling, and unshakable focus inside the Octagon. His latest performance in Baku sent a clear message to the MMA world: Orolbai isn't just a prospect — he's a future champion in the making. 'This is only the beginning for Myktybek,' said his longtime manager Vlad Niktin following the win. 'He's not just talented — he's special. He has all the tools to be a UFC world champion, not in a few years, but very soon. He trains like a beast, listens like a student, and fights like a warrior. The world is just now waking up to what we already know: Orolbai is destined for greatness.' A Fighter Built for the Spotlight Born and raised in the mountainous heart of Kyrgyzstan, Myktybek's journey to the UFC is nothing short of inspiring. Coming from humble beginnings, he turned to combat sports at a young age, quickly mastering freestyle wrestling — a national sport in Central Asia. His success on the mat laid the foundation for what would become a seamless transition into mixed martial arts. By the time he made his UFC debut, Orolbai had already built a reputation across regional circuits in Asia and Europe. His aggressive style, technical ground game, and striking improvements made him a nightmare matchup for anyone. In just a few appearances, he's amassed an impressive UFC record, finishing opponents with both submissions and knockouts — proving he's one of the most well-rounded fighters in his division. 'Every time he steps into the Octagon, he gets better,' said Azamat Abdimital, Orolbai's head coach. 'He's not afraid of any challenge. He trains with discipline, pushes his limits every day, and stays mentally sharp. His mindset is something I've rarely seen — completely fearless, even when under pressure.' Defining the Next Generation of UFC Talent What sets Myktybek apart from many rising stars is his unique combination of strength, speed, and high fight IQ. While many fighters rely on one dominant skill, Orolbai blends wrestling, striking, and jiu-jitsu with ease — adapting his approach based on the opponent in front of him. His ability to finish fights early, particularly in a stacked division, has made matchmakers and fans alike pay attention. At just 25 years old, Orolbai is already being talked about as the 'future of the UFC' by commentators and former champions. But those in his corner know the future is arriving faster than anyone expected. 'Orolbai isn't just keeping up with the UFC elite — he's outperforming them,' said Niktin. 'His training partners in the gym — some of whom are top-10 fighters — are constantly impressed by his work ethic and improvement. He doesn't just want to be the best in Kyrgyzstan or Central Asia — he wants to be the best in the world.' A Symbol of National Pride Back home in Kyrgyzstan, Myktybek Orolbai is already a national hero. His success has inspired a new generation of athletes, especially in rural areas, who see him as proof that with hard work and resilience, anything is possible — even standing atop the UFC's global stage. Social media videos of his fights are watched millions of times in the region, and local sports academies have reported a surge in youth enrollments following his UFC performances. Orolbai has expressed deep gratitude for the support from his country and often walks out with the Kyrgyz flag draped proudly over his shoulders. 'I fight for my people,' he said in a post-fight interview. 'Everything I do is to show the world the strength, heart, and spirit of Kyrgyzstan.' What's Next? While the UFC has yet to announce his next opponent, rumors are swirling about a possible top-15 matchup that could catapult Orolbai even closer to title contention. If his upward trajectory continues, it wouldn't be surprising to see him headlining cards — or even challenging for gold — within the next year. 'Myktybek isn't just fighting to win,' said Coach Abdimital. 'He's fighting to make history.' About Myktybek Orolbai Myktybek Orolbai is a professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC, representing Kyrgyzstan. Known for his explosive style and well-rounded skills, Orolbai is quickly becoming a global star in MMA. Managed by Vlad Niktin and coached by Azamat Abdimital, he stands as one of Central Asia's most promising athletes. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
India Gazette
08-07-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Indian Under-15 wrestling teams shine at 2025 Asian Championships in Bishkek
New Delhi [India], July 8 (ANI): The Indian Under-15 wrestling teams delivered an outstanding performance at the 2025 Under-15 Asian Wrestling Championship held in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) from 4th to 7th July 2025, competing across Free Style, Greco-Roman, and Women's Wrestling categories. The Indian Under-15 Freestyle Wrestling Team emerged as Team Champions, securing a total of 203 points, leaving Japan in second place with 166 points. The Indian contingent claimed eight medals, including six gold, one silver, and one bronze, dominating the competition, according to a press release from the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The medal rush in Free Style began with Vansh Ahlawat, who clinched the first Gold for India by defeating his Japanese opponent in a thrilling bout with a score of 9-8. Aaryan (44 kg) defeated a Kyrgyz wrestler by technical superiority (16-6). Prathmesh Suryakant Patil outplayed his Uzbek opponent with a 7-4 win. Rohit Mann secured a 10-0 technical superiority win over Tajikistan. Sachin (68 kg) pinned his Uzbek rival to win by fall. Kartik (85 kg) battled past Kazakhstan with a 3-1 victory. The Women's Wrestling Team displayed a valiant effort, finishing second overall with 202 points, just behind Japan, who scored 217 points. In an intense championship where seven gold medal bouts were contested between India and Japan, India managed to win two gold medals and a crucial bronze medal, eventually bagging a total of three gold, five silver, and one bronze medal. Jiya (33 kg) won Gold after a gritty 4-2 win against her Japanese counterpart. Purvi Sharma (66 kg) dominated her Japanese opponent with an 8-0 win. Diksha (39 kg) delivered a commanding performance by defeating her Kyrgyz opponent by fall. In the 58 kg Bronze medal bout, India outclassed Japan to add another medal to the tally. Despite narrow losses in several finals, the Indian girls displayed commendable skill and determination throughout the championship. The Greco-Roman team faced tough challenges and finished 5th in the overall medal tally. While most wrestlers lost out in Bronze medal bouts, Abhishek (48 kg) reached the final and secured a Silver Medal, falling short against Kazakhstan with an 8-0 scoreline. Additionally, Parnam Singh (68 kg) earned a Bronze Medal with a solid 10-1 win over the Kyrgyz wrestler. The list of medal winners is as follows: Gold Medal Winners (09): 41 Kg. / FS Vansh Ahlawat, 44 Kg. / FS Aaryan, 52 Kg. / FS Prathmesh Suryakant Patil, 62 Kg. / FS Rohit Maan, 68 Kg. / FS Sachin, 85 Kg. / FS Karti, 33 Kg. / WW Jiya, 39 Kg. / WW Diksha, 66 Kg. / WW Puravi Sharma. Silver Medal Winners (07): 57 Kg. / FS Dinesh Lahu Malpote, 36 Kg. / WW Rohini Khanu Devba, 42 Kg. / WW Gayatri Shinde46 Kg. / WW Vaishnavi Amol Torave, 54 Kg. / WW Simran, 62 Kg. / WW Ankita Kushvaha, 48 Kg. / GR Abhishek. Bronze Medal Winners (03): 75 Kg. / FS Love, 58 Kg. / WW Sukhman, 68 Kg. / GR Parnam Singh. (ANI)
New Indian Express
06-07-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
The Karakol kaleidoscope
Surrounding the cathedral, Karakol's residential neighbourhoods have maintained their neat grid of one and two-storeyed homes since the town's earliest days. The dwellings here were first made of adobe bricks, but after being damaged in earthquakes, wood became the predominant construction material. Endearingly nicknamed 'gingerbread' houses, they were built by thriving merchants at the turn of the 20th century. With their pastel colours, panelled shutters, and flowering gardens, they are charming sideshows of history. Just a short walk from the cathedral lies the 115-year-old Dungan Mosque, one of Karakol's most unexpected treasures. Built by the Dungan community, who settled in the city from the 1870s onwards fleeing persecution in China, the mosque pays homage to the traditions of their homeland. Constructed primarily from poplar and elm wood, every structural component was painstakingly prepared over three years and then assembled swiftly in three months without using a single nail. Inside, under the yellow pitched roof, the mihrab (a prayer niche that points towards Mecca) is framed by an intricate wooden portal. But it's the exterior that turns heads. The guide enthusiastically draws attention to the multi-tiered cornice running across the brackets. 'Observe the carvings here. Not only are there plants and fruits, but also—rather unexpectedly—phoenixes and dragons. Where else would you spot that in a mosque?' asks our guide proudly. Karakol's architectural richness hides in plain sight. All it takes is a bit of context, some curiosity, and a passionate Kyrgyz narrator to bring it home.
