Central Asia Diplomacy: Georgia’s PM Irakli Kobakhidze wrapped up a fast Central Asian tour with Kazakhstan, signing a Strategic Partnership Agreement with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and memorandums on culture, IT and tourism, with both sides pushing the Middle Corridor and “connectivity” as a priority. Tajikistan–China Security & Infrastructure: Work reportedly resumed on the Dushanbe–Kulma highway after attacks killed Chinese workers, as Tajik authorities face renewed pressure to secure cross-border projects. Border Security: The CSTO said it is working to strengthen the Tajikistan–Afghanistan border through surveillance, infrastructure and coordination, calling the frontier situation “complicated.” Governance & Investment Climate: Tajikistan secured a $1.7m UNIDO grant (with Russian funding) to digitize free economic zones via a “Single Window” system. Regional Tech for Disasters: China and Central Asian partners agreed to build the Tianwu satellite constellation for earthquake, pest and glacial-flood monitoring. Public Order & Rights: A report claims Georgia’s interior ministry uses a sanctioned Russian facial recognition system to identify protesters—raising new concerns for civil activists. Regional Politics: Pakistan ordered the arrest of Afghan nationals without valid visas from July 10, intensifying its deportation drive. Earthquake Watch: A 6.1–6.2 quake hit Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush, with tremors felt across Pakistan and parts of India, including Tajikistan.