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The ASAN model – one of the central pillars of Azerbaijan’s national anticorruption strategy

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The State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SAPSSI) and its “ASAN Service” were established in 2012 at the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev as an essential part of comprehensive institutional reforms in public administration of the country.

The “ASAN Service” centers represent a unique one-stop-shop model for facilitating public service delivery, allowing citizens to access over 400 services, offered by 15 public and 30 private organizations, under one roof. Created to maximize citizen satisfaction, the model allows for the transparent, accountable, and efficient provision of public services. Currently, there are 28 “ASAN Service” centers operating throughout the country, which have in total received over 91 million citizen applications and citizen satisfaction rate currently stands at an impressive 99.8%.

The ASAN model has become one of the central pillars of Azerbaijan’s national anti¬corruption strategy. By minimizing direct interaction between citizens and officials and ensuring that all payments are made electronically, ASAN Service has significantly reduced opportunities for bribery and informal payments. Each service process is digitally tracked, service halls are designed with transparent glass walls, and transactions are processed through the ASAN Payment System or online platforms, measures that altogether ensure maximum accountability and transparency.

To ensure efficient management of “ASAN Service” centers and continuous improvement in service delivery, several innovative technological systems such as Electronic Document Flow System, Business Intelligence Reporting System, Human Resources Management System, Monitoring and Evaluation System, ASAN Payment System, and ASAN Appeal System have been developed.

Recognizing that not everyone may have access to traditional “ASAN Service” centers, the SAPSSI has initiated mobile "ASAN Service." Comprising ten specially equipped buses, this fleet operates on a predetermined schedule, delivering essential public services directly to locals residing in distant regions, thus ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all.

The SAPSSI also operates one of the first dedicated public service radio and television platforms in the region – “ASAN Radio” and “ASAN TV.” These media outlets serve as vital tools for raising public awareness, promoting transparency, and fostering civic engagement.

Besides public service delivery, the SAPSSI takes lead in promoting the startup ecosystem in Azerbaijan. Through the INNOLAND” Incubation and Acceleration Center, the “Innovations Center” LLC under the SAPSSI provides an environment for promoting the development of various startup projects. Since its establishment in November 2018, INNOLAND has become a cornerstone of Azerbaijan’s innovation landscape. Over six years, the center has incubated 88 startups and accelerated 36 promising ventures, hosted 25 co-working residents, fostering collaboration and creativity, organized 36 Demo Days, showcasing startup achievements, facilitated more than 50 Hackathons and over 70 InnoTalks, driving ideation and dialogue. Also, they have delivered 36 Webinars and 11 Product Hunt events, expanding outreach and engaged over 20,000 participants across all events and programs.

Over the years, “ASAN Service” has evolved into a distinctive intellectual product of the Republic of Azerbaijan, attracting significant international interest as a model of innovative public service delivery. To date, the SAPSSI has concluded over 30 MoU and Agreements with various countries and international organizations on the export of ASAN model. In this context, the SAPSSI maintains close partnerships with peer institutions in Romania, Turkiye, Indonesia, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Montenegro, Morocco, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Kazakhstan, Senegal, the United Arab Emirates, the Republic of Korea, Columbia, Guinea Bisau and etc. Several of these countries – namely Uganda, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Indonesia, and Ethiopia – have already adopted and operationalized the “ASAN Service” model to streamline the provision of public services to their citizens.

Currently, more than 200 “ASAN Service” based one-stop-shop centers are under operation in Indonesia and Uzbekistan.

“ASAN Service” has been internationally recognized for its innovative approach to public service delivery, receiving multiple prestigious awards. It is a two-time recipient of United Nations accolades – namely, the 2015 UN Public Service Award and the 2019 UN Special Award for promoting innovation in digital public service delivery. Additionally, at the 10th World Government Summit held in Dubai, “ASAN Service” was honored with the title of “Best Government Service in the World”.

The concept of "ASAN Service," which has established a significant presence in global affairs, has further surged in importance. This is evident in the adoption of two resolutions by the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2018 and 2023 titled " Promoting Human Rights and the Sustainable Development Goals Through Transparent, Accountable, and Efficient Public Services Delivery." These resolutions highlight the significance of models such as “ASAN Service” in upholding human rights and realizing Sustainable Development Goals.

The Electronic Register of Public Services and the ASAN Service Index have been established to measure the quality, accessibility, and transparency of every government service. These tools enable performance assessment based on criteria such as legality, timeliness, citizen satisfaction, and degree of digitalization, thereby creating a continuous feedback loop that prevents bureaucratic abuse and promotes efficiency.

Another significant contribution to the anti-corruption environment is the ASAN Visa system, launched under the Presidential Decree of June 1, 2016, “On simplification of the procedure for issuing electronic visas and establishment of the ASAN Visa system.”

ASAN Visa provides a fully digital, user-friendly platform for foreign citizens to obtain Azerbaijani visas in just a few minutes, without any intermediaries or face-to-face contact with officials. All steps from application and payment to approval are automated and transparent, ensuring equal treatment, data integrity, and elimination of discretionary decision-making. By September 2025, the ASAN Visa system has served over 4 million applicants, becoming an international model for transparent and efficient governance.

The ASAN Appeal system also plays a vital role in strengthening public accountability and institutional integrity. It provides citizens and businesses with an accessible, online mechanism to submit complaints, appeals, or feedback regarding the quality of public services or potential cases of misconduct. All appeals are automatically registered, tracked, and reviewed by relevant authorities within fixed time limits, ensuring that responses are consistent, fair, and verifiable.

Overall, ASAN Service has redefined the relationship between citizens and the state in Azerbaijan by institutionalizing transparency, simplifying administrative processes, and ensuring equal access to public services. ASAN has fostered a culture of accountability, integrity, and citizen-oriented governance that continues to strengthen the national anticorruption environment.

 

 

 

This week in Tajikistan saw a series of notable developments

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This week in Tajikistan saw a series of notable developments, from weather disruptions to key political and economic events.

 

Saykhun city construction delayed

The construction of Saykhun, a planned city in Sughd province, has been delayed due to budget constraints, according to local officials. Rajab Ahmadzoda, head of the Sughd province, stated that the project, which started over a decade ago, has stalled as the regional budget cannot cover the significant financial requirements.

The city, designed for 250,000 people, was to be built in the Somgor desert, near Khujand, but infrastructure issues, including water supply and electricity, remain unresolved.

 

Somon Air resumes flights to Dubai

Tajikistan's Somon Air has resumed flights on the Dushanbe-Dubai route, which had been suspended due to regional tensions in the Middle East. The resumption of services is partly to facilitate the return of Tajik citizens from the region.

 

Tajik imports face price hikes due to Iran disruptions

Tajik businesses importing goods from Iran have warned of potential price increases due to disruptions in supply chains. The ongoing conflict and export restrictions in Iran have led to logistical issues, particularly affecting food products, building materials, and household goods, according to local entrepreneurs.

 

Dushanbe City Bank overcomes cyberattack

Dushanbe City Bank faced a DDoS cyberattack, temporarily affecting access to its online services. The bank’s IT team responded swiftly, stabilizing the systems by strengthening traffic filtering and protection measures. Services were fully restored after the brief disruption.

 

Tajikistan moves to self-fund HIV treatment

Tajikistan is transitioning to self-financing antiretroviral treatment for HIV, with the government gradually taking on more of the financial burden previously covered by international donors. Officials noted that over 13,000 people in the country are living with HIV and receiving treatment, and the shift aims to ensure sustainability and uninterrupted drug supply.

 

Tajikistan's oldest woman turns 122

Basimo Turayeva, the oldest living person in Tajikistan, is set to celebrate her 122nd birthday in May.

Living with her family in Dushanbe, Turayeva remains in relatively good health, although she has experienced some age-related hearing and memory issues. She was born in 1904 in the Khovalingsky district.

 

Russia suspends funding for RTSU

Russia has temporarily suspended funding for the Russian-Tajik Slavonic University (RTSU) due to the appointment of a new rector without prior approval from Moscow. Russian officials have clarified that the issue lies with the procedural violation, not the candidate. While salaries for university staff will continue, other financial support has been halted until the rector issue is resolved.

 

Tajikistan to establish AI Institute

The Tajik government has announced plans to establish an Institute of Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence, along with the Academy of Tourism and an Institute for Global Economics and Diplomacy. The new institutions will be created under the International University of Tourism and Entrepreneurship of Tajikistan, following decrees signed by President Emomali Rahmon.

 

Crocus City Hall terror attack verdict

A Moscow court convicted 19 individuals in connection with the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall.

Fifteen of the accused received life sentences, including the alleged mastermind, while four others were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 19 to 22.5 years for providing logistical support to the terrorists. Separately, a court in Saint Petersburg sentenced a Tajik national to six years for publicly justifying the attack and supporting ISIS.

 

China to build nine border facilities along the Tajik-Afghan border

China will finance the construction of nine border infrastructure projects along the Tajik-Afghan border, following a bilateral agreement between the two countries. The projects are aimed at strengthening border security and improving infrastructure in Tajikistan’s southern region.

 

Tajik-Kyrgyz bilateral trade grows, but challenges persist

Trade between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan has grown since the signing of a border agreement in March 2025, but experts note that economic ties remain limited. Despite an increase in trade volume, the full potential for cooperation in sectors such as industry, energy, and agriculture has yet to be realized, and further steps are needed to significantly boost bilateral trade.

 

Tajik composer celebrates 80th birthday

Tajik composer Tolibkhon Shakhidi marked his 80th birthday with a symphonic concert in Moscow’s Tchaikovsky Conservatory, where his compositions were performed by an orchestra from the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theaters, conducted by Valery Gergiev.

Celebrations for Navrouz in Dushanbe: a grand festival at Navrouzgoh complex

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This year, the Navrouz festivities in Dushanbe will take place at the Navrouzgoh complex, offering a vibrant program for both locals and visitors. The event will feature a grand concert, entertainment programs, an exhibition and sale of traditional handicrafts, delicious food, and much more.

According to the Dushanbe City Hall, the Dushanbe Navrouz Fest will be held on April 4th from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Navrouzgoh Hippodrome, in an open-air format. The event was officially authorized by the Mayor of Dushanbe.

"The main goal of the event is to create a festive atmosphere and provide a pleasant environment for relaxation and entertainment for the residents of the capital, as well as for guests and tourists. Additionally, the festival aims to present Dushanbe as a modern cultural hub with a wide range of tourism opportunities. It will also contribute to attracting more foreign tourists, promoting the culture of hospitality, and popularizing national traditions and customs," the city’s press release stated.

The event is organized with the support of Dushanbe City Hall and the company Boshorshinos, with coordination handled by the capital's Tourism Development Department.

 

Foreign performers, quizzes, and fairs

The Dushanbe Navrouz Fest program includes a wide range of cultural and entertainment activities. Highlights include a festive concert featuring famous local artists and foreign performers, a fair with the sale of traditional crafts, a presentation of national dishes and snacks (such as sumalak, pilaf, and more), sweets, and refreshing drinks. Visitors will also have the chance to attend the "Nekee Bikor" flower exhibition to purchase flowers and decorative plants.

The festival’s headliner will be popular Turkmen singer, composer, and arranger KA-RE.

In addition, various entertainment programs will be organized, including sports and intellectual games, workshops, contests, quizzes, circus and theatrical performances, horseback riding, photo zones, children's play areas, and other fun activities.

 

Ticket information

Entry to the Dushanbe Navrouz Fest is ticketed. Tickets are currently available for purchase on the websites echipta.tj and ticketon.tj, and they will also be available at the festival venue on the day of the event. The cost of a ticket is 30 somoni.

Russia’s power sector in Central Asia faces growing challenges amid financial strain

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An important revenue stream for Russia in Central Asia appears to be faltering, with increasing financial difficulties threatening the nation’s dominance in the region's power sector.

For years, Russia's state-controlled atomic energy company, Rosatom, and other Kremlin-linked enterprises have played a key role in energy projects across Central Asia. However, mounting evidence suggests that financing these ventures is becoming increasingly difficult, leading to a slowdown in business.

Eurasianet says one of the most notable examples of this shift can be seen in Kazakhstan, where Russian companies have been edged out of key power projects. Initially, Russian firms were slated to complete the next phase of construction at the Ekibastuz GRES-2 power station, one of the country’s largest energy projects. However, after the Kremlin's financing plan fell through, Kazakhstan opted to engage China’s Harbin Electric International instead. The Chinese company agreed to finish the project at a significantly lower cost—almost two-thirds less than the Russian estimate—saving the Kazakh government nearly $500 million.

In addition to the Ekibastuz GRES-2 setback, Russia's financial woes have resulted in the loss of other key contracts in Kazakhstan. In 2025, state-controlled Inter RAO lost contracts to build power plants in the cities of Kokshetau, Semey, and Oskemen. The contracts were subsequently awarded to Chinese companies, further highlighting the shifting dynamic in the region.

Uzbekistan is also showing signs of unease regarding Russia’s ability to fulfill major energy projects. Officials in the Central Asian nation have expressed concerns over Rosatom’s ability to deliver on plans to build nuclear reactors. As a result, Uzbekistan has turned to France’s Framatome to explore potential participation in its nuclear plant construction projects. In a statement issued on March 9, Uzbekistan's energy agency, Uzatom, confirmed discussions with Framatome centered on the introduction of advanced automated technological management systems at nuclear power plants.

As Russia’s financing challenges continue to mount, it remains to be seen whether the country will be able to maintain its foothold in Central Asia’s power sector or whether the region will increasingly turn to Chinese and Western companies for energy infrastructure projects.

Military court in St. Petersburg jails Tajik citizen for justifying terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall

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The First Western District Military Court in St. Petersburg has sentenced Tajik citizen Qudrat Qurbonov to six years in prison for justifying the terrorist attack at the Crocus City hall online, TASS reported on March 13.

"The court found Qurbonov guilty of committing a crime under Article 205.2 (2) of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation — public justification of terrorism' and sentenced him to six years in prison, with the first three years to be served in a prison, and the remainder of the sentence in a high-security penal colony," the agency's source said.

According to the case materials, on March 24-25, 2024, the convicted individual posted messages on Telegram justifying the terrorists who attacked visitors at the Crocus City Hall. 

Qurbonov reportedly arrived in Russia for work in August 2025. He later admitted to being a supporter of the Islamic State (IS) terror group, which is banned in Tajikistan and Russia, and expressed his intention to "fight against the infidels" and become a "martyr."

The terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk, Moscow oblast occurred on March 22, 2024, before a concert by the band "Piknik." Armed individuals stormed the building, opened fire, and set the concert hall on fire. As a result, nearly 150 people were killed, and more than 550 were injured. After the attack, four perpetrators – Tajik citizens Muhammadsobir Faizov, Dalerjon Mirzoyev, Saidakram Rajabalisoda, and Faridoun Shamsiddin – attempted to flee but were found and arrested.

In related news, on March 12, the Western District Military Court in Moscow sentenced 15 individuals involved in the Crocus City Hall attack, including four direct perpetrators of the attack, to life imprisonment, while four others received sentences ranging from 19 to 22 years.

 

 

Tajikistan and European companies strengthen collaboration on CASA-1000 project

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The consortium of HITACHI ENERGY (Sweden) and Cobra Instalaciones y Servicios S.A. (Spain) will complete technical maintenance of converter substations in Tajikistan and Pakistan by May 2028 as part of the regional CASA-1000 power transmission project, according to the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources (MoEWR) of Tajikistan.

The implementation of the CASA-1000 project was discussed during a high-level meeting, which took place in Ludvika, Sweden on March 10.

The event brought together representatives from the participating countries, as well as the leadership and experts from the contracting companies involved in building two HVDC converter stations in Sangtuda, Tajikistan and in Nowshera, Pakistan, such as HITACHI ENERGY and Cobra Instalaciones y Servicios.

Tajikistan's Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Mr. Daler Juma, who led the Tajik delegation, emphasized the country's commitment to the successful implementation of the CASA-1000 project. This initiative is a key step in the energy integration of the region, contributing to the development of electricity trade, strengthening energy security, and expanding economic cooperation between Central and South Asian countries.

As a result of the talks, the parties agreed that the HITACHI ENERGY and Cobra Instalaciones y Servicios consortium will complete the technical maintenance of the converter substations in Tajikistan and Pakistan by May 2028. This will ensure the stable operation of critical infrastructure and create conditions for the completion of the permanent power transmission line through Afghanistan, which is expected to be completed in 2027.

It is worth noting that three of the four CASA-1000 participant countries — Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Pakistan — have already completed the construction of their facilities for the project. The DC line through Afghanistan is expected to be finalized in 2027.

The CASA-1000 project, which will allow for the export of excess hydroelectric power from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Afghanistan and Pakistan, is valued at $1.16 billion. As part of the project, 1,387 km of power lines and two converter substations will be built.

In addition, during his working trip to Sweden, Minister Daler Juma met on March 12 with representatives of Nord Pool, one of Europe's largest electricity market operators. The meeting focused on the operation of modern electricity markets, European experiences in creating free electricity trade, and mechanisms for regulating regional energy markets. Minister Juma highlighted the importance of leveraging international experience, including that of Nord Pool, for the further development of Tajikistan’s energy system and integration into the regional electricity market.

In turn, the representatives of Nord Pool expressed their readiness to exchange experiences, provide consultations, and strengthen cooperation in the development of modern energy markets.

Russian companies to present digital solutions for Tajikistan

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A business mission of Russian companies dedicated to digital transformation will be held in Dushanbe from April 7 to 10, 2026. The event, titled "Russia-Tajikistan: Together Shaping the Digital Future," will focus on cybersecurity, the implementation of digital services across various industries, and the development of infrastructure for digital solutions.

The business mission will provide a platform to discuss the most pressing issues of digital transformation, including electronic health records, the creation of "digital universities," and the growth of e-sports and e-commerce in Tajikistan.

Over the four days of the mission, participants will engage in roundtables, meetings with government officials, visits to the IT-Park in Dushanbe, and the signing of memorandums and agreements. The culmination will be a roundtable on the introduction of advanced IT solutions in government and Tajikistan's economy, where the first cooperation agreements will be signed.

Mahmoud Davlatov, Chairman of the Tajikistan Digital Development Association, noted: "Tajikistan is actively moving towards digital transformation, and it is crucial for us to rely on best practices and proven technologies. We are confident that Russian IT solutions, known for their reliability, will make an important contribution to the development of our digital future."

The event's agenda includes a tour of the IT-Park in Dushanbe and introductions to resident companies on the first day, followed by an evening city tour.

On the second day, there will be a business breakfast with partners, a roundtable on Russian experiences in digital technologies for government and economy, and the signing of memorandums and agreements.

On the third day, participants will meet with representatives from the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies and the Communications Service, followed by individual B2B and B2G meetings.

The business mission is organized by the Russia-Tajikistan Business Council, VIPFORUM, the Tajik-Russian Business Council, and the Tajikistan Digital Development Association, with support from Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Digital Development, and the Innovation and Digital Technologies Agency of the President of Tajikistan.

Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan: economic ties grow, but challenges remain

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A year ago, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan signed a State Border Agreement, which led to the reopening of the border and the full restoration of trade and economic ties. What has changed since then?

The agreement was signed on March 13, 2025, during the state visit of Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon to Kyrgyzstan. A key topic of discussions was the restoration of trade and economic cooperation. Both sides signed agreements on the development of industry, energy, and agriculture, opening new opportunities for growth.

“Our countries have significant potential for joint development. We agreed to expand economic cooperation and achieve mutual trade growth to $500 million in the coming years,” said the President of Tajikistan after the talks.

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov emphasized that “creating favorable business conditions in both Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan will lead to the creation of new jobs, infrastructure development, and the strengthening of trade and economic ties.”

The joint statement from the presidents noted that economic cooperation between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan not only benefits both countries but also contributes to the overall development of the region. The signed agreements lay the foundation for further growth, and the strengthening of trade links and infrastructure opens new opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors.

The border of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan had been the scene of unrest repeatedly since the collapse of the former Soviet Union.   Border talks between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan began in 2002.  Unresolved border issues have led to tensions for the past 30 years. Tensions between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan had remained high until recently, owing to a border dispute, as well as other issues involving irrigation, smuggling, and illegal border crossings. This dispute led to clashes between the two countries.  Kyrgyzstan unilaterally closed the border with Tajikistan in spring 2021 after an armed conflict along a disputed segment of the border left 36 Kyrgyz nationals, including two children.

 

Sharp growth in the bilateral trade

In 2025, the trade turnover between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan reached over $33.1 million, a significant increase compared to 2024. According to Tajikistan’s agency for statistics, a two-way trade between the countries grew 2.7 times over the last year, from $12.2 million in 2024. In 2025, Tajikistan exported goods worth more than $8.6 million to Kyrgyzstan, including table grapes, cotton products, and electricity.

Imports from Kyrgyzstan exceeded $24.5 million, with major goods including lignite (brown coal), oil and oil products, as well as pasta, bottles, flacons, and other products.

In 2020, trade turnover between the two countries stood at $37 million. However, the trade volume decreased to $11.6 million in 2023 due to the border closure, marking a more than threefold decline. For the past four years, the bilateral trade between the countries was maintained through third countries (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan).

Before the border closures, there were border markets where people from both countries could buy and sell goods. For example, residents of the two countries traded on Tuesdays in the Kyrgyz village of Arka in Batken region, and on Sundays in the village of Khistevarz in the Tajik Sughd province. After the border was reopened, authorities from both sides promised to resume trade at these points, but this has not happened yet.

Overall, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, both lacking significant oil and gas resources and developing at a similar economic level with close economic structures, mainly export raw materials and import finished goods. Therefore, trade turnover between the two countries has always been limited.

 

Transit trade

The suspension of transit cargo transportation through Kyrgyzstan had a significant impact on Tajikistan’s economy. Prior to the border closure, part of the goods from/to China and Kazakhstan — key trading partners of Tajikistan — were transported through Kyrgyzstan.

Since the signing of the border agreement, several border crossing points (BCPs) have been reopened. Specifically, on March 13, 2025, the “Kyzyl-Bel — Guliiston” and “Kayragach — Madaniyat” crossings, which had been closed for nearly four years, resumed operation.

The restoration of border crossings allowed a gradual return of some cargo flows to their previous routes. In July of last year, during a state visit to Tajikistan, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov stated that Kyrgyzstan is ready to help facilitate Tajik exports to the markets of the Eurasian Economic Union, acting as a strategic transit corridor.

 

Investment

Mutual investment between the two countries has historically been very low, even during warmer relations. This can be explained by the fact that both countries have limited investment opportunities and are direct competitors in attracting investments from wealthier countries.

Since 2022, there has been no recorded influx of investments between the two countries. Before that, Kyrgyz investment in Tajikistan was minimal. In 2021, Kyrgyz investments amounted to about $550,000, with $390,000 being direct investments.

By the end of 2021, Kyrgyzstan’s accumulated investments in Tajikistan’s economy reached over $2.2 million, with approximately $1.9 million being direct investments. There is no available data on Tajik investments in Kyrgyzstan.

 

What’s next?

Despite the noticeable growth in trade, economic relations between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan remain relatively limited. The current trade turnover is still much lower than the target countries aim to achieve in the coming years.

The signing of the State Border Agreement was an important political step that removed one of the major barriers to economic cooperation. However, for significant trade growth, other factors are needed — development of transport infrastructure, expansion of border trade, and the launch of joint economic projects.

Experts note that with a favorable political environment and the restoration of logistics routes, trade turnover between the two countries may gradually increase. However, to achieve the stated goal of $500 million, much deeper economic integration will be required.

Tajik law enforcement authorities announce the arrest of seven members of two drug trafficking rings

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The law enforcement authorities in Tajikistan have announced the arrest of seven individuals who are allegedly members of two transnational drug trafficking groups. They are suspected of smuggling approximately 100 kilograms of drugs, including hashish, opium, and methamphetamine from Afghanistan into Tajikistan.

According to the Tajik Ministry of Internal Affairs, the drugs, smuggled from Afghanistan, were intended for sale both within the country and for export abroad. The criminal operation was reportedly well-organized, with the narcotics being distributed in Dushanbe and the Rasht district (Rasht Valley in eastern Tajikistan).

 

Arrests and group leaders

The Ministry of Internal Affairs identified 39-year-old Gholibjon Ghaniyev, a resident of the Mir-Sayyid-Hamadoni district in Khatlon province, as the leader of the group. Ghaniyev had previously been sentenced to seven years in prison for drug trafficking.

Other arrested individuals include 52-year-olds Mahmadroib Asrorov and Hakimjon Mahmadjonov from the Rasht district, as well as the 31-year-old Firouz Mirzoyev and the 41-year-old Mukhtor Rajabov from the Mir-Sayyid-Ali-Hamadoni district. All of them had previously been convicted for drug-related offenses and served prison sentences.

 

Drugs and smuggling methods

Investigators discovered that the arrested individuals were receiving drugs via an Afghan national named Yusuf, who delivered packages containing hashish, opium, and methamphetamine. These substances were hidden in various locations in the capital and surrounding areas, with plans for further export.

"In November 2025, they received 80 packages of drugs through the Afghan national. Part of the narcotics was hidden in the Mir-Sayyid-Ali-Hamadoni and Shohmansour districts," the Ministry of Internal Affairs reported. In videos released by authorities, Gholibjon Ghanie0yv admits to participating in drug trafficking, although the circumstances under which the confession was obtained remain unclear.

 

Other arrests and drug trafficking

Additionally, the State Committee for National Security (SCNS) of Tajikistan recently announced the arrest of two smugglers, one of whom is a citizen of Afghanistan.

Authorities reportedly seized 20 kilograms of drugs from the suspects. Oyatullo Odinayev, a Tajik citizen, and Mubaraksho Shaidullo, an Afghan national, had been collaborating since 2023, regularly engaging in drug smuggling across Tajikistan.

"In February 2026, Odinayev and Shaidullo acquired 20 packages of hashish and transported them to the city of Vahdat for sale," the report stated. Both suspects have confessed to their crimes, although the conditions under which the confessions were made are not specified.

 

Criminal charges

The arrested individuals are currently under investigation under Article 200, Part 4, Subparagraph "e" of the Criminal Code of Tajikistan, which deals with the illegal trafficking of narcotics or psychotropic substances in especially large quantities. This offense carries a prison sentence of 12 to 20 years.

 

 

Tajik veteran diplomats weigh in on Us-Israel war on Iran’s war and regional tensions

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As tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, two former Tajik diplomats have shared their views on the ongoing conflict in Iran, its underlying causes, and the broader implications for the region.

 

“Negotiations without mutual concessions won't yield results”

Abdunabi Sattorzoda, a former deputy foreign minister of Tajikistan and seasoned diplomat with experience negotiating with both Iranian and U.S. officials, believes the main reason for the failure of U.S.-Iran negotiations lies in the fundamentally opposing positions of the two sides.

"They hold diametrically opposed positions and are not ready to compromise," Sattorzoda said. He noted that international diplomacy has shown that talks without mutual concessions rarely succeed.

Sattorzoda criticized the U.S. demand for Iran to fully abandon its nuclear program, arguing that this demand runs counter to Tehran's national interests. He explained that such a move would strip Iran of its right to use uranium peacefully for energy production and national security.

He added that, while Iran had been optimistic about reaching an agreement regarding its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes and the potential lifting of sanctions, this hope was shattered by a sudden military attack on Iranian territory.

"An analysis of the negotiations over the past two years, including the most recent discussions between the U.S. and Iran before the attack, shows that for Washington, they were just a way to buy time and create more favorable military conditions to strike Iran," said Sattorzoda.

He also pointed to Israel's role in escalating the conflict, highlighting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been adamantly pushing for U.S. involvement in the war with Iran. "He repeatedly visited the U.S. and met with President Donald Trump with this goal in mind," Sattorzoda noted.

When asked whether war could be a solution to the conflict, Sattorzoda responded, "The use of force will not bring results. This has been proven by the 12-day war and the ongoing conflict, which continues to intensify. The military and political defeat of Israel and the U.S., who rely on their military might, is evident, and I am convinced of this."

He emphasized that the only path to resolving the conflict is through negotiations and a peaceful agreement. "There is no other way because continuing a war that spreads across more territories and countries every day is extremely dangerous," he concluded.

 

“Trump made a big mistake”

Another Tajik diplomat, who has worked in the Middle East for many years and wished to remain anonymous, analyzed the U.S. and Israeli aggression against Iran through what he referred to as "four bitter truths."

1.     The goal is the creation of a ‘Greater Israel’ — According to the diplomat, Iran’s nuclear program was merely an excuse for the attack, despite the fact that it was known to be peaceful. Several years ago, Iran's Supreme Leader issued a fatwa banning the development of nuclear weapons. “The real goal is the realization of Israel's project to weaken neighboring states and fulfill the biblical idea of a ‘Greater Israel’ from the Nile to the Euphrates. To this end, Israel, with the support of the U.S., has already contributed to the destruction or destabilization of several Arab states: Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Yemen,” the diplomat stated. He also emphasized that Iran is different from these countries due to its thousands of years of history, culture, and strong sense of national identity.

2.     Why U.S. bases in the Persian Gulf — The diplomat argued that U.S. military bases in the Persian Gulf were not primarily established to protect these countries, but rather to safeguard Israel, promote U.S. interests, and maintain control over the region. “Most likely, a significant portion of the expenses for these bases is borne by the host countries. However, recent events have shown that these bases are not guarantees of security, but rather sources of risk. Before the attack, the U.S. evacuated its military personnel and left the Arab states to face possible retaliatory strikes from Iran alone,” he remarked.

3.     Will the U.S. Leave the Region? — The diplomat stated that Iran had warned even before the war began that an attack on the country could lead to a massive regional conflict and threaten U.S. presence and interests in the Middle East. “I think Trump made a big mistake by listening to Netanyahu’s advice. This could hurt his political future, weaken the U.S.'s position in the region, and even lead to the threat of impeachment in Congress,” he said.

4.     All countries in the region are in danger — The diplomat believes that the U.S. and Israel are the primary culprits behind the conflicts and divisions between Middle Eastern states. "They will never allow the creation of an independent Palestinian state. Their goal is to fully absorb Palestinian territory, and their ambitions won’t stop there," he concluded.

The perspectives of these two diplomats shed light on the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding the Iran conflict and its broader regional impact. As the situation continues to evolve, many countries in the region are bracing for the potential consequences of this ongoing crisis.

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