President Signs Law on Territorial Defense

The President has signed a series of legislative acts, including the new law on territorial defense along with related amendments, as well as a separate law concerning endowment funds, Orda.kz reports.

Akim in Command

According to Aqorda, Qasym-Jomart Toqayev signed the law “On Territorial Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan.” The official note states that this legislation provides legal regulation of public relations and establishes the organizational and legal framework of state policy in the field of territorial defense.

It also outlines material support for territorial defense, which is intended to ensure public safety during emergencies.

The law aims to unify approaches to organizing and financing territorial defense efforts.

When the bill was discussed in Parliament, deputies explained that the law would enable citizens to take part in defending their homeland, while the state would define in advance the personnel and resources needed to secure key facilities.

Territorial defense is now recognized as a separate area, with clearly defined functions, objectives, and a list of protected sites, along with action plans in the event of military threats. Oversight in this area will be carried out by the Ministry of Defense.

Additionally, the law clearly defines the roles of the Ministry of Defense and local governments. The Ministry is responsible for setting regulations, selecting strategic defense sites, supplying troops, and overall supervision.

Clear Rules

This is also what the new law “On Target Capital Funds and Endowment Funds (Target Capital)” is expected to deliver. It’s another key piece of legislation signed by the President today.

During discussions in Parliament, it was noted that the law and its accompanying amendments will provide transparent rules for creating and managing endowment funds—long-term financial instruments that support essential areas such as education, healthcare, sports, and culture.

Under the new law, endowment funds will follow a standard NGO structure: first, a board of trustees is formed, which then appoints management, approves investment policies, and defines charitable goals.

Foundations can receive both monetary contributions and property, such as buildings or equipment.

Although the law doesn’t directly include tax incentives, these are expected to be introduced through the new draft Tax Code. Specifically, it proposes tax deductions of up to 100% for both donors and the foundations themselves for expenses related to their statutory purposes.

However, during parliamentary review, one notable exception emerged: Nazarbayev University and Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS) will not fall under the scope of the new law.

Original Author: Anastasia Prilepskaya