September 28, 2026, Khorugh
Dear compatriots!
Esteemed leaders, activists, and distinguished residents of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region!
It is a matter of great pride and honour for us that these days, in an atmosphere of complete peace, stability, and strong national unity, we are celebrating our great and sacred national holiday — the 35th anniversary of the State Independence of our beloved country.
On the occasion of this significant historic date, I sincerely congratulate all the patriotic and hardworking residents of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region and all of you, esteemed attendees. I wish every family good health and happiness, prosperity, peace, and abundance.
I also consider it my human duty to respectfully remember the worthy son of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, former Chairman of the Region Alisher Mirzonabot, and once again express my condolences to his parents, loved ones, and relatives.
The late Alisher Mirzonabot was among those dedicated public servants for whom loyalty to the state and nation, as well as a responsible attitude towards the fulfilment of official duties, was a guiding principle in life.
Many of the facilities constructed in the cities and districts of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region in honour of the 35th anniversary of State Independence, some of which we inaugurated today, were implemented precisely through his personal patriotic efforts.
I express my sincere gratitude to the parents of the late Alisher Mirzonabot for raising such a devoted and patriotic son.
We have decided, in recognition of his devoted and patriotic service, to name Secondary School No. 6 of Khorugh after the late Alisher Mirzonabot.
Dear compatriots!
For the people of the country, including the dignified people of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, the celebration of the 35th anniversary of State Independence is, above all, a celebration of the significant results of constructive and development-oriented work.
I would like to emphasize that 35 years of independence have been a glorious historical period for the noble people of Tajikistan, a very difficult path of state-building, strengthening peace and national unity, and reviving national values.
As a result of the constant attention and consistent efforts of the state and the Government of the country, profound economic and social transformations have taken place in the region over the 35 years of independence.
Today, the results of these transformations are clearly reflected in the new appearance of the cities and districts and in the actual indicators of the region's socio-economic development.
In particular, the gross regional product of the region has increased 93-fold over the past 25 years, reaching 3 billion somoni in 2025.
In 1991, the population of the region was only 172,000, whereas today it has exceeded 236,000, an increase of 64,000 compared with the beginning of the period of independence.
During this period, the average life expectancy of the region's population increased from 69.6 to 79.6 years, an increase of 10 years.
The poverty rate in the region decreased from 97 percent to 25 percent.
Over the past 25 years, the average wage increased from 12.6 somoni to 2,917 somoni, an increase of 232 times.
In 2025, the monetary income of the population amounted to 2.1 billion somoni, which is 273 times higher than in 1995.
During this period, more than 120,000 new jobs were created in the region, while 27,000 citizens received free vocational and handicraft training, more than 60 percent of whom were women.
These achievements are the result of the effective implementation of state programmes, the constructive and humanitarian policy of the Government of the country, and the dedicated work of the residents of the region. They have created favourable conditions for continued sustainable development, ensuring a dignified standard of living for the population, and achieving national strategic goals.
The leadership of the region, its cities and districts, as well as the relevant ministries and agencies, are obliged to make more effective use of existing opportunities, ensure the development of the private sector, further accelerate economic growth, and give priority attention to job creation, increasing incomes, and improving the living standards of the population.
Esteemed attendees!
During the period of independence, more than 26 billion somoni from all sources of financing have been allocated to the socio-economic development of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region.
In particular, 9.3 billion somoni has been allocated from the state budget alone, and financing for the region's social and economic needs is being provided on a regular basis.
More than 7.5 billion somoni, or 81 percent of this amount, has been allocated from the republican budget.
At the same time, the Government of the country has implemented 41 major state investment projects in the region worth more than 4 billion somoni, while the implementation of another 13 projects with a total value of 5.5 billion somoni is currently underway.
In addition, over the past twenty years, more than 1.2 billion somoni in foreign investment has been attracted to the region's economy, of which more than 1 billion somoni constitutes direct investment.
New investment agreements worth a total of 1.3 billion somoni have also been signed for the development and processing of the region's natural resources.
During the period of independence, 8.8 billion somoni has been allocated to the construction sector of the region, and more than 2,500 social and economic facilities have been built.
Since 2008 alone, that is, over the past 18 years, the Directorate for the Construction of Government Facilities under the Executive Office of the President has built and commissioned 123 social and administrative facilities in the cities and districts of the region, with a total value of 863 million somoni.
At present, the construction of another 28 facilities worth more than 1 billion somoni is underway.
During the years of independence, 3,765 hectares of household land plots were allocated to more than 37,000 families in the region in order to improve living conditions and facilitate residential construction.
By comparison, during the previous 75 years, that is, before the period of independence, only 1,200 hectares of land had been allocated.
As a result, the region's housing stock increased from 1.6 million to 3.7 million square metres.
As part of preparations for the 35th anniversary of State Independence, the construction and reconstruction of 1,362 facilities were planned in the cities and districts of the region. To date, 1,545 facilities have been constructed and commissioned, representing 113 percent of the plan.
It is a matter of pride that the patriotic and hardworking residents of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists are making a valuable contribution to the development and improvement of their homeland.
I express my sincere gratitude to all of them for their high sense of patriotism, initiative, and worthy contribution to the development and prosperity of our homeland.
I also call on all of them to continue this good patriotic tradition and constructive work in the future.
Esteemed attendees!
At the present stage, accelerating the process of industrialization and establishing modern production facilities must become among the key priorities for the region's further development.
To this end, the Government of the country is taking the necessary measures to create new production capacities, attract investment, and make effective use of the region's natural resources.
At present, 202 industrial enterprises are operating in the region, while more than 190 new production enterprises have been established during the period of independence.
In 1991, there were only 13 industrial enterprises operating in the region.
In 2025 alone, 54 enterprises commenced operations, while during the first five months of the current year, another 21 new production enterprises began operating.
The volume of industrial production increased from 62 million somoni in 1993 to 337 million somoni in 2025, an increase of 5.4 times.
The range of manufactured products has increased from 10 types in 1991 to 75 types today.
Despite these achievements, the region's significant industrial potential has not yet been fully utilized.
Under current conditions, the primary task is to ensure that the further development of the sector focuses, above all, on increasing the processing of local raw materials, introducing modern technologies, and producing goods with high added value.
Therefore, the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies, the State Committee on Investment and State Property Management, the Main Department of Geology, and the executive body of state authority of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, together with the leaders of the cities and districts, must intensify efforts to attract domestic and foreign investment.
Concrete measures must be taken to establish new industrial enterprises and develop processing industries.
The main objective must be to ensure that the share of industry in the region's economy steadily increases, while its natural resources are increasingly processed within the country and transformed into competitive, high-value-added products oriented towards export.
Esteemed attendees!
Strengthening industrial capacity, developing entrepreneurship, and improving the standard and quality of life of the population are directly linked to the development of the energy sector.
In this regard, since the early years of independence, the Government of the country has identified the development of the region's energy sector as a priority and has consistently implemented measures to utilize hydropower resources and strengthen the sector's infrastructure.
Overall, more than 3.4 billion somoni has been allocated to the development of the region's energy sector during the years of independence.
During this period, 134 major state investment projects worth a total of 2.3 billion somoni were implemented, while the implementation of another 16 energy projects with a total value of 400 million somoni is ongoing.
In the early years of independence, only 13 percent of the region's population had access to electricity, and even then for no more than 12 hours a day, whereas today the overwhelming majority of the region's population has access to high-quality electricity around the clock.
Before independence, more than 70 percent of the region's electricity was generated by diesel power plants, while limited access to fuel had a serious negative impact on electricity supplies to the population.
At the initiative of the Government of the country, the first major power plant of the independence period, Pamir-1, was constructed. Subsequently, dozens of small and medium-sized hydropower plants, solar power plants, transmission lines, and modern substations were constructed and commissioned.
The establishment of Pamir Energy Joint-Stock Company as the first experience of public-private partnership in the energy sector contributed to attracting private investment.
As a result, during the period of independence, 61 megawatts of new electricity generation capacity were created in the region, while 14 megawatts of existing capacity were reconstructed and modernized.
Overall, total electricity generation capacity increased from 10.4 megawatts in 1991 to 75 megawatts in 2026, an increase of more than seven times.
At the same time, 227 kilometres of transmission lines, 560 kilometres of new electricity networks, and a number of modern substations were constructed and commissioned.
It should be noted that today all electricity generation capacities in the region are based on renewable energy sources, and the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region has become one of the country's leading regions in the use of green energy.
In recent years, new hydropower and solar power plants have been commissioned in the districts of Murghob, Shughnon, Darvoz, and Rushon, while the Sebzor Hydropower Plant has also commenced operation.
At present, the project to electrify rural settlements in the region and the construction of other important energy facilities are ongoing, creating a reliable foundation for further strengthening the region's energy system.
At the same time, the hydropower potential and other renewable energy sources have not yet been fully utilized.
Therefore, the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, Pamir Energy Joint-Stock Company, and the executive bodies of state authority of the region, cities, and districts must take measures to accelerate the construction of new energy capacities, modernize electricity networks, and expand the use of renewable energy sources.
It is also necessary to resolve as soon as possible the issue of providing all remaining villages with a permanent electricity supply.
The ultimate objective in this area must be to ensure that the energy sector continues to serve as a reliable foundation for the development of industry, entrepreneurship, tourism, the digital economy, and the improvement of the standard and quality of life of the region's population.
Esteemed attendees!
As a result of the dedicated work of the region's agricultural workers, the volume of agricultural production reached 1.131 billion somoni in 2025, which is 14 times higher than in 2000.
During the period of independence, potato production increased fourfold, vegetable production fivefold, fruit production 23-fold, and egg production nearly 40-fold.
In addition, the area of orchards increased 2.4 times, the yak population doubled, the number of cattle increased 1.5 times, and the number of bee colonies increased 2.3 times.
Today, more than 16,000 dehqan farms operate in the region, using the majority of agricultural land.
It should be noted that in the early years of independence, due to the deterioration of living conditions and the socio-economic situation of the country's population, 75,000 hectares of land were distributed among the population by presidential decrees.
In particular, 2,620 hectares of land were allocated to residents of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region for the establishment of personal subsidiary farms, which made an important contribution to ensuring food security and improving people's living standards.
During this period, more than 2,400 hectares of new irrigated land were developed in the region, while the meliorative condition of more than 2,100 hectares of land was improved.
The natural and climatic conditions of the region are favourable for the development of potato cultivation, horticulture, livestock breeding, yak breeding, beekeeping, fish farming, and the production of environmentally friendly products.
Therefore, the Ministry of Agriculture, the State Committee for Land Management and Geodesy, the Agency for Land Reclamation and Irrigation, and the executive bodies of state authority of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, its cities and districts, must take measures to ensure the effective use of every piece of agricultural land.
Bringing unused land into agricultural circulation, increasing crop yields, developing the production of competitive goods, and industrial processing of agricultural products are among the necessary measures in this area.
Esteemed attendees!
Overcoming the communication deadlock and constructing a modern network of motor roads are among the major achievements of the period of independence for the region.
During this period, the Government of the country implemented an unprecedented programme of construction and reconstruction of motor roads in the region, which is of vital importance for connecting the cities and districts of the region and creating a reliable foundation for socio-economic development.
Thirteen state investment projects with a total value of 2.3 billion somoni were implemented to develop the region's transport infrastructure, resulting in the construction and commissioning of 266 kilometres of roads, 32 bridges, and 2 tunnels.
As a result of these projects, important sections of the international Dushanbe — Kulob — Kalaikhum — Khorugh — Murghob — Kulma highway, including the Murghob — Kulma, Shkev — Zighar, Shokhon — Zighar roads and other important roads and bridges, were reconstructed and upgraded in accordance with international standards.
Today, year-round transport connections are ensured between the region and the capital, other parts of the country, and, through international border crossing points, foreign countries.
These roads are contributing to the expansion of freight and passenger transportation, as well as economic and trade cooperation, particularly with the People's Republic of China.
In order to continue this process consistently, today we laid foundation stones for several new road sections, including the 83-kilometre road from the administrative boundary of Rushon District to Pastkhuf village; the 20-kilometre paving of the central road of Rushon District; the 80-kilometre road from Pastkhuf village of Rushon District to Durbat village of Shughnon District; the construction of the Khorugh — Roshtqala road; the paving of 37 kilometres of the Shokhon — Zighar road; and we reviewed the expansion of design work for the construction of the Khorugh — Ishkashim road and approved it.
At the same time, it should be noted that 22 million US dollars have been allocated for the reconstruction of the 90-kilometre Murghob — Kulma road and the reconstruction of the Kulma — Karasu border crossing. The design work is nearing completion, and construction of the aforementioned facilities will begin in 2027.
At the same time, five modern bridges have been constructed along the border between the Republic of Tajikistan and Afghanistan, which is of great importance for expanding economic cooperation, developing cross-border trade, and strengthening friendly ties between the peoples.
Currently, two other major projects with a total value of more than 2 billion somoni are being implemented in the region, including the reconstruction of the international Kalaikhum — Vanj — boundary of Rushon District road.
In addition, the implementation of another five state investment projects for the construction and reconstruction of roads and bridges is planned, including the reconstruction of the 235-kilometre Rushon — Varshez road in Shughnon District and the 300-kilometre Varshez — Kulma — Karasu route, with a total value of 6 billion somoni.
More than 370 million somoni has also been allocated from the state budget for the repair and maintenance of roads in the region, and 100 units of modern road-construction machinery and equipment have been purchased.
Taking into account the mountainous characteristics of the region, the development of transport infrastructure must continue to remain one of the important directions of state policy.
Therefore, the Ministry of Transport and the executive bodies of state authority of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, its cities and districts, must take concrete measures to ensure the timely and high-quality implementation of road construction projects, as well as the reconstruction and maintenance of roads and bridges.
I emphasize that priority attention must be given to the earliest possible implementation of priority projects, particularly the Rushon — Varshez, Varshez — Kulma — Karasu, Khorugh — Ishkashim, and Khorugh — Roshtqala roads.
The main objective is to ensure that modern transport infrastructure continues to serve as one of the key foundations for economic development, the expansion of trade, industry, and tourism, the strengthening of the country's transit potential, and the improvement of the standard and quality of life of the region's residents.
The Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, with its unique nature, Ismoil Somoni Peak, the Pamir mountain ranges, Tajik National Park, the international Pamir Highway, the Wakhan Valley, Sarez and Karakul lakes, healing springs, and historical and cultural monuments, has extensive opportunities for the development of mountaineering, ecological, historical and cultural, medical, and wellness tourism.
Therefore, the development of tourism should be viewed not only as a means of promoting Tajikistan, but also as one of the important factors in the development of the region's economy.
In recent years, the region's tourism infrastructure has been gradually developing. At present, there are 52 hotels, 79 small hotels, and more than 2,100 service facilities operating in the region.
At the same time, with the support of the state and development partners, the establishment of family-run hotels and local service centres is expanding, contributing to the creation of new jobs and increased incomes for the population.
In 2025, more than 51,000 domestic and foreign tourists visited the region.
In the first half of 2026, their number exceeded 23,000, which is almost 30 percent higher than during the same period of the previous year.
At the same time, the quality of services, accessibility of remote tourist destinations, communications and internet access, digitalization, promotion of tourism opportunities, attraction of investment, and training of guides require further improvement.
Therefore, the Committee for Tourism Development, the executive bodies of state authority of the region, cities and districts, together with the relevant ministries and agencies, are instructed to systematically take measures to improve infrastructure, enhance the quality of services, develop various forms of tourism, attract investment, and support local entrepreneurs.
In this process, the training of qualified personnel, digitalization of services, and broad promotion of the region's tourism potential in the international market are among the important priorities.
The Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, as a centre of mountain, ecological, and cultural tourism in Tajikistan, should further strengthen its position internationally, while the tourism sector should become one of the important sources of new employment, increased incomes, and sustainable economic development in the region.
Esteemed attendees!
During the period of independence, the Government of the country implemented effective measures to strengthen the material and technical foundations of education in the region and improve the quality of teaching and upbringing.
Over the past twenty years alone, more than 2.3 billion somoni has been allocated from the state budget for the development of education in the region.
In 2026, 426 million somoni has been allocated for this purpose, which is 25 percent more than in the previous year.
Whereas in 1997 there were only 9 preschool institutions operating in the region, today their number has reached 40, while the number of child development centres has reached 215.
Today, more than 8,000 children are enrolled in preschool education and care.
In 2025 alone, 35 preschool institutions and child development centres were constructed and commissioned, while construction of another 54 institutions is ongoing.
During the period of independence, 226 general education institutions with more than 44,000 student places were constructed and commissioned in the cities and districts of the region, at a cost of more than 500 million somoni.
At present, construction of another 10 educational institutions for 2,500 students is underway, with a cost of 67 million somoni.
During the years of independence, more than 42,000 young people from the region graduated from higher professional educational institutions, including 6,400 from higher education institutions abroad.
In recent years, the rate of admission of graduates from schools in the region to higher education institutions has steadily improved. This year, 94 percent of graduates have registered to continue their education.
At present, more than 1,400 young people from the region are studying at higher education institutions abroad.
Since 1997, 4,129 places have been allocated to young people from the region through the Presidential quota, including 2,577 places for girls.
For the years 2026–2030, another 1,050 quotas have been provided.
All these achievements are clear evidence of the attention paid by the state and the Government of the country to the development of education and provide a reliable foundation for creating favourable conditions for education and upbringing, developing human potential, and ensuring sustainable socio-economic development in the region.
Yesterday, we participated in the presentation of the network of international institutes of the International University of Tourism and Entrepreneurship of Tajikistan and laid foundation stones for their construction in the cities of Khorugh and Istaravshan and in Vose District.
It should be noted that today six international institutes of the International University of Tourism and Entrepreneurship of Tajikistan operate in various regions of the country, including in the cities of Dushanbe, Khujand, Levakant, and Danghara District.
In this regard, the International University of Tourism and Entrepreneurship of Tajikistan is instructed to begin establishing the network of international institutes within the prescribed timeframe.
Furthermore, the Ministries of Finance; Economic Development and Trade; Education and Science; Foreign Affairs; and the State Committee on Investment and State Property Management are instructed to take concrete measures to support projects submitted by the university aimed at attracting domestic and foreign investment through international financial institutions for the construction of buildings, strengthening the material and technical base, establishing modern laboratories and educational centres, developing digital technologies, and expanding international cooperation.
In the context of rapid technological development, the level of knowledge, skills, and professionalism of young people is a key factor in the progress of the state.
To this end, construction of two technical vocational lyceums is currently underway in Vanj and Ishkashim districts, which will be of great importance for training specialists in productive sectors.
The development of economic sectors requires the quality of education, the study of mathematics and natural sciences, the acquisition of information technology skills and foreign languages, and the training of personnel to be aligned with the requirements of the labour market.
Therefore, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Labour, Migration and Employment of the Population, the Committee on Primary and Secondary Vocational Education, and the executive bodies of state authority of the region, cities and districts should take additional measures to improve the quality of personnel training.
In addition, serious attention should be paid to the development of vocational education, expansion of digital learning, and support for young teachers.
In the context of the increasing external threats and risks, as well as the negative influence of social networks on adolescents and young people, it is necessary to pay particular attention to instilling patriotism and love for the homeland in children.
Esteemed attendees!
During the years of independence, funding for healthcare in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region has steadily increased, and its budget in 2026 has been raised to more than 206 million somoni, which is 22 percent higher than in the previous year.
Over the past twenty years, more than 1.2 billion somoni has been allocated from the state budget for the development of healthcare in the region.
During this period, more than 280 healthcare facilities were constructed and reconstructed in the region at a cost of 370 million somoni and commissioned.
In addition, medical institutions in the region have been equipped with modern diagnostic and treatment equipment worth more than 140 million somoni, significantly improving their capacity to diagnose and treat diseases.
The emergency medical service network in the region has also gradually expanded, and today medical services are provided to the population through 71 specialized medical vehicles.
During the period of independence, 1,436 young people from the region graduated from higher medical educational institutions in the country, including 463 through the Presidential quota.
These measures have created a foundation for improving the quality and accessibility of medical services and strengthening the human resources capacity of the sector.
The goal of the state and the Government of the country is to ensure that every resident of the country, regardless of place of residence, has access to high-quality, timely, and modern medical care.
Esteemed attendees!
Since the beginning of the period of independence, the development of culture, the revival of historical and cultural heritage, support for cultural and artistic figures, and the strengthening of national self-awareness and national pride have remained at the centre of state policy.
As a result of this cultural policy, 344 cultural institutions are currently operating in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region. During the period of independence, 62 new cultural institutions have been constructed and more than 45 other institutions have been fully renovated and reconstructed.
More than 140 million somoni has been allocated for their construction, reconstruction, and equipment.
Today, cultural palaces and houses, libraries, museums, art schools, theatres, and other cultural institutions have become centres for spiritual education and the development of young people's talents.
During the period of independence, special attention has been paid to the revival and preservation of the region's historical and cultural heritage. The fortresses of Karon, Vomar, Yamchun, and other valuable historical and architectural monuments have been restored and reconstructed.
These measures are of great importance for preserving national heritage, strengthening historical self-awareness, and presenting the ancient civilization of the Tajiks on the international stage.
Despite significant achievements, the rapid development of society requires the expansion of efforts to protect and restore historical and cultural monuments, digitalize library and museum collections, further develop traditional crafts, support cultural and artistic figures, and strengthen the spiritual and patriotic education of young people.
Esteemed attendees!
The achievements of the period of independence clearly demonstrate that the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region has now entered a new stage of socio-economic development.
Thanks to the constructive and development-oriented policy of the state and the Government of the country, significant work has been accomplished in the region, creating a solid foundation for economic development, improving the standard and quality of life of the population, and the further advancement of the region.
We must always remember that all the development and prosperity of our beloved homeland are the result of independence, peace, and stability in our dear country.
We must be grateful for this land, the sacred water and soil of our homeland, and our peaceful and tranquil life!
The Government of the country will continue to give priority attention to the sustainable development of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region and will take all necessary measures to effectively utilize its natural, economic, and tourism potential, develop entrepreneurship and investment, strengthen infrastructure, and improve the living standards of the region's residents.
At the same time, we must all always remember that the sustainable development of every region depends, above all, on the dedicated work, initiative, sense of responsibility, and strong patriotic spirit of its residents.
Therefore, leaders and employees of state bodies, intellectuals, entrepreneurs, community activists, women and girls, young people, and every resident of the region must make effective use of the atmosphere of peace and stability, national unity, and the opportunities that have been created, and contribute to the implementation of the state's strategic goals, preservation of the achievements of independence, and development of the homeland.
I would like to emphasize that the celebration of the 35th anniversary of State Independence is not only a summation of achievements, but also the beginning of a new stage of constructive and development-oriented work for the continuous progress of our beloved country.
I am confident that the patriotic and hardworking people of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region will continue, with a strong sense of responsibility, pride in the state and national statehood, and dedicated work, to contribute to the prosperity and strengthening of independent Tajikistan.
May peace and stability, national unity, and constructive labour always guide the dignified people of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, and may this beautiful land become even more prosperous and flourishing under the conditions of State Independence.
Once again, I sincerely congratulate all patriotic residents of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region on the 35th anniversary of the State Independence of Tajikistan and wish every family in the region good health, a peaceful life, prosperity, and abundance, and our beloved Tajikistan everlasting peace and stability, lasting national unity, and ever-increasing prosperity and development.
May the independence and freedom of our beloved Tajikistan be eternal, and may its flag always fly proudly!
Happy 35th Anniversary of the Independence and Freedom of Tajikistan, dear compatriots!
May you be healthy and prosperous!
