In connection with the 30th anniversary of the Asia-Plus Media Group, Tajik journalist and analyst Qosim Bekmuhammad expressed his opinion on the achievements and shortcomings of our media outlet and proposed several ideas for its further development.
According to this Tajik expert, in the face of political, economic, social, regional, and international changes, maintaining an independent media outlet and ensuring its sustainable operation for three decades is extremely challenging. However, Asia-Plus managed to do this, which indicates competent management by the leadership and the creative team.
He, in particular, stated that Asia-Plus not only managed to withstand this period but also continued to develop. Today, many diplomats, experts, and politicians both inside and outside of Tajikistan turn to Asia-Plus as one of the reliable sources of information, analysis, and reports on the processes occurring in the country, as well as for understanding Tajikistan’s position on internal, regional, and international issues.
This in itself testifies to the significance of this media outlet, or media holding, both within the country and beyond its borders.
The main professional source
Qosim Bekmuhammad noted that “perhaps Asia-Plus has become the main professional source not only for news but also for reports and analytics on Tajikistan — in political, economic, social, cultural, and other spheres,” and called it a serious success and achievement.
One of the shortcomings of Asia-Plus media until the last few years, Bekmuhammad noted, was the previous absence of a Tajik narrative.
“Fortunately, this problem has been resolved, and today, thanks to the active use of social networks, hundreds of thousands of users receive news, reports, and analytics in their native language. This is a very positive step and an important initiative. The Tajik editorial team of Asia-Plus should not only keep pace with the Russian editorial team but even surpass it,” the expert emphasized.
Qosim Bekmuhammad noted that previously in Asia-Plus, when covering regional and international processes, the main focus was on the opinions of foreign analysts, experts, and politicians.
A free niche
Qosim Bekmuhammad, who himself follows events in the Persian-speaking space and Middle Eastern countries, called Asia-Plus a leader among Tajikistan’s media in covering events in the Middle East.
“Considering the processes occurring in Western Asia, particularly in and around Iran over the past year, such as the June 2025 U.S.-Israel war on Iran between the US, Israel, and Iran, as well as the current events that began on February 28, 2026 — another military aggression by the US and Israel against Iran, it is Asia-Plus among Tajikistan’s media that has published the most news, reports, and analytical materials,” said Bekmuhammad.
He believes that Asia-Plus should strive to become a source to which Persian-language media will turn, including in Iran, Afghanistan, and other countries in the region.
“This niche is mostly free for now. If Asia-Plus takes on this and launches its Persian page, it will require serious preparation. It is not just about translating news, as artificial intelligence can qualitatively translate 80–90% of any text. However, this does not mean that the capabilities of artificial intelligence are sufficient and the need for human involvement can be minimized. The Persian editorial team of Asia-Plus should include several people who are professionally proficient in the Persian language and script,” suggested the expert.
Qosim Bekmuhammad called Tajikistan’s perspective on events in Western Asia and the Middle East very important and added that podcasts, short interviews, and opinions of ordinary Tajik citizens would be of interest not only to the Persian-speaking audience but also help introduce them to the views of Tajikistan’s intellectual elite and Tajik politicians.
Assistants to the authorities
According to Qosim Bekmuhammad, in the context of the modern global media space, many non-state media outlets, similar to Asia-Plus, effectively fulfill the role of national media.
In his opinion, from a social point of view and in terms of interaction with society, non-state media can quite fulfill the functions of national media, and among independent media, it is Asia-Plus that possesses the greatest potential in this direction.
In conclusion, he congratulated the Asia-Plus Media Group on its 30th anniversary: “Taking this opportunity, I sincerely congratulate the Asia-Plus team and wish it even greater success.”
