Kazakhstan: Court Upholds Government’s Decision to Change Time Zone

The Cassation Court has dismissed a lawsuit by lawyer Serikzhan Akhmetzhanov, who sought to overturn the government's decision to change the national time zone, Orda.kz reports.

On March 1, 2024, Kazakhstan moved to a single time zone. Residents of 15 regions — including Astana, Almaty, and Shymkent — set their clocks back by one hour.

Akhmetzhanov argued that the change did not align with astronomical data and that the government did not have the authority to impose it.

However, courts at every level, including the cassation instance, rejected his claims.

The government acted within the framework of the Constitution and its powers. Decisions were made taking into account international experience and scientific research from Kazakhstani institutions. According to experts, the fifth time zone is considered standard and closest to the natural day-night cycle for most of the country,the court stated.

With the ruling, the time zone change remains in force, and the government’s decrees are upheld.

Original Author: Artyom Volkov