Kazakhstan's National Security Committee to Gain Powers for Domestic Crises

Amendments to legislation governing the activities of Kazakhstan's national security bodies have been submitted for consideration in the country's parliament. The proposed changes would significantly expand the mandate of these agencies.

The draft law, reviewed in a first reading by the Mazhilis, introduces a new provision. It stipulates that national security organs must ensure readiness to act not only during mobilization but also during crisis situations, as well as under states of emergency and social emergencies.

"The bill aims to clarify the powers of national security bodies when responding to crisis situations and under conditions of a state of emergency or social emergencies. These amendments are being introduced to bring the law into conformity with the legislation on states of emergency," said MP Bolat Kerimbek during a plenary session.

The proposed changes also focus on strengthening the protection of state secrets within government bodies and organizations. To this end, it is suggested that "the lowering of the level of protection of state secrets" be formally recognized in law as one of the threats to national security.

According to the document's developers, the need for these amendments stems from the January 2022 events, which highlighted the critical importance of state agencies being prepared to respond effectively to internal crises.

The anticipated outcome of passing these amendments is an increase in the effectiveness of responses to unstable domestic situations and a reinforcement of Kazakhstan's overall national security system.