Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Khusan Tangriyev, spokesperson for the Customs Committee of Uzbekistan, commented on the situation at the Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan border, where significant crowds of people and vehicles have been observed over the past day.

According to eyewitness reports, hundreds of drivers on the Kazakh side, including families with children and elderly people, have been waiting for more than a day to enter Uzbekistan. It has also been noted that unidentified individuals are demanding money from drivers.

Tangriyev explained that the sharp increase in traffic is related to the upcoming Kurban Hayit holiday. In just one day, about 40,000 people and 2,000 vehicles passed through the Navoi checkpoint. Further increases in these figures are expected in the coming days.

To coordinate efforts and manage the situation, an urgent meeting was held in the neutral zone between Uzbek and Kazakh posts, involving representatives of the customs and border services of both countries.

“Additional forces have been deployed to the Navoi border customs post. Currently, 150 employees from the border and customs services are engaged there,” said Khusan Tangriyev.

At the same time, he emphasized that while ensuring the swift passage of citizens and vehicles is important, the priority remains the safety and protection of the state’s economic interests.

“With such a flow, no one can rule out attempts to smuggle drugs or other prohibited goods. Therefore, a thorough inspection of one passenger car takes on average from 5 to 10 minutes,” he added.

Citizens of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are advised, if possible, to cross the border during daytime hours — from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. — through alternative checkpoints “Ok Oltin” and “Malik” in the Syrdarya region, which are not classified as international border crossings. Currently, about 1,500 people and over 250 vehicles use these points daily.

Entry is also possible through the Yallama checkpoint; however, according to the customs representative, heavy cargo traffic is observed in that direction.

The Gishtkuprik checkpoint (also known as Chernyaevka) is temporarily closed due to the final stage of reconstruction. On the adjoining Kazakh checkpoint, Zhibek Zholy, construction work has just begun.

Similar works are ongoing at other checkpoints as well — Dovut Ota (Uzbekistan), as well as Tajen, Atameken, and Kazygurt (Kazakhstan).