DUSHANBE, January 22, 2013, Asia-Plus — Outgoing Resident Representative of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Tajikistan Munir Merali met here today with Shukurjon Zuhurov, Chairman of the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament), at the end of his tenure to Tajikistan, Muhammadato Sultonov, a spokesman for the Majlisi Namoyandagon.
In the course of the talks, Zuhurov reportedly expressed gratitude to Merali for his work in Tajikistan and noted that assistance provided by the Aga Khan Development Network to Tajikistan during the difficult years of civil war was invaluable. The volume of humanitarian aid alone provided by AKDN to citizens of Tajikistan has exceeded 140 million U.S. dollars.
“To-date, AKDN has provided assistance with enhancement of agrarian sector to more than 1,100 settlements in Gorno Badakhshan, Rasht Valley and mountain districts of Khatlon province,” Sultonov said.
Mr. Merali reportedly expressed confidence that the ongoing projects of AKDN in Tajikistan would be completed successfully and the sides would work on new projects in the future.
Founded and guided by His Highness the Aga Khan, the Aga Khan Development Network brings together a number of development agencies, institutions, and programs that work to empower communities and individuals to improve living conditions and opportunities, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East. The Network’s nine development agencies focus on social, cultural and economic development for all citizens, regardless of gender, origin or religion. AKDN’s underlying ethic is compassion for the vulnerable in society.
AKDN agencies work in Tajikistan in a range of areas—from economic development to education, rural development to cultural revitalization, health care to financial services. Operating in the country since 1992, AKDN draws on a strong base of experience in working with mountain societies. The Network is present in all regions of Tajikistan and employs approximately 3,500 people through its operations and investments, including the PamirEnergy Company, Tcell Telecommunications, and the First MicroFinanceBank.
