Tajikistan - The Times Of Central Asia

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Education

Teacher’s Assault on Student Sparks Debate on School Violence in Tajikistan

An alleged case of school violence in Tajikistan has reignited public concern after an 11th-grade student accused a teacher of assault in the southern city of Levakant. The incident, which has generated conflicting accounts from authorities and the student’s family, is now under investigation by law enforcement. Conflicting Accounts The case surfaced on September 30, when a video circulated on social media showing the student unconscious. Radio Ozodi reported that the boy had received “a strong blow to the back of the head from his teacher.” According to the student, Mehmed Bozorov, the incident occurred on September 6 at School No. 4 in the village of Bohturobod. He said he had stepped out during a break to borrow a pen and was struck by the teacher upon returning. Bozorov claims he lost consciousness and was hospitalized for 15 days. The Levakant Education Department offered a different version of events. It stated that Bozorov had shown disrespect toward the teacher, who “lost his temper and slapped him.” Officials said the student did not suffer serious injuries. Hospitalization and Family Response Bozorov’s uncle, Jamol Bozorov, a medical professional, was called to the school after the student complained of feeling unwell. The boy collapsed shortly afterward. His uncle recorded the incident and later shared the footage with local media. Bozorov was admitted to the central hospital in Levakant. A private lab, Aksi Shifo, found no signs of serious trauma, but his mother insisted on continued treatment. He remained hospitalized for 13 days. The Education Department stated that the teacher covered all medical costs. Bozorov has since returned to school. Official Response The Ministry of Education and Science of Tajikistan has met with both parties involved. “Farhod Nazarov is a young teacher; he should not have resorted to violence, but the student also showed disrespect. Responsibility lies with both,” the ministry said in a statement. Law enforcement is conducting a preliminary investigation. The student and his family have not commented on the ministry’s statement. A Broader Issue Violence in Tajik schools is not uncommon. Last year alone, three separate incidents involving physical altercations between teachers and students were reported, in the town of Bokhtar and twice in Khovaling district. Following previous complaints about bullying, Tajik authorities introduced a methodological guide aimed at helping teachers prevent bullying and cyberbullying. However, the Levakant case underscores that school violence remains a persistent and unresolved issue.

UN General Assembly

Afghanistan Absent, Not Forgotten – Central Asia’s UNGA Strategy

From September 23–29, 2025, the UN General Assembly’s general debate unfolded without an Afghan delegation addressing those assembled amid the unresolved UN seat issue. Yet Afghanistan was hardly absent. Central Asian presidents used their platform to project a collective stance that stopped short of recognition while rejecting isolation. Their message reflected a regional doctrine of managed engagement: keep the neighbor connected enough to limit collapse, through corridors, energy grids, and humanitarian channels. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan offered the clearest blueprint, urging the international community to “prevent [Afghanistan’s] isolation,” and calling for support to develop transport and energy corridors across Afghan territory. That language aligns with initiatives already underway: a multilateral framework signed in Kabul on July 17 to move the Trans-Afghan railway toward feasibility, and fresh agreements on the 500 kV Surkhan–Pul-i-Khumri line designed to stabilize Afghanistan’s power supply while linking it to a regional grid. Mirziyoyev’s message was a bid to convert geography into risk management. Kazakhstan struck a technocratic note. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev told the Assembly that “inclusive development in Afghanistan” is the basis for long-term regional peace and stability. This phrasing matches Almaty’s UN-backed hub for the Sustainable Development Goals and Astana’s self-image as the region’s administrative center. The goal is to stabilize the weakest link so trade and transit do not fracture. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov used part of his brief UN address to demand that roughly $9 billion in Afghan central-bank assets frozen in Western jurisdictions be returned to “the Afghan people,” and called isolation “unacceptable.” In a remittance-dependent economy like Kyrgyzstan’s, collapse next door risks hunger, displacement, and crime. His remarks were both moral and practical, and marked the sharpest public challenge to Western policy voiced by any Central Asian leader this week. Traditionally, Tajikistan has taken the hardest line on the Taliban. This time, Emomali Rahmon emphasized humanitarian assistance, citing drought-hit regions and areas devastated by the August 31 eastern Afghanistan earthquake, and said Dushanbe supports peace, stability, and socio-economic development next door. The quake killed more than 2,000 people and destroyed thousands of homes across Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman just as aid budgets were shrinking. Turkmenistan took a different approach. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov did not mention Afghanistan, instead promoting Ashgabat’s permanent neutrality as a proposed UN agenda item, “Neutrality for Peace and Security,” along with broad transport and energy initiatives. This approach preserved flexibility on projects like TAPI without committing to specifics in New York. What makes these speeches consequential is how closely they mirror work on the ground. The Trans-Afghan railway, long dismissed as only a plan, now has a political framework and a declared security pledge from Kabul. Whether it moves forward depends on both capital and security, but for Tashkent, a southern outlet to Pakistani ports is the difference between landlocked and land-linked. The Surkhan–Pul-i-Khumri line is more conventional and urgent: a 200-kilometer fix to keep the lights on and the revenues flowing. The long-troubled CASA-1000 power corridor is also inching back into view after being paused post-2021, with...

Social Media

Tajikistan Debates Social Media Ban for Children Under 14

A controversial proposal in Tajikistan to ban social media use for children under the age of 14 has sparked public and expert debate. While many agree that the issue requires urgent attention, critics argue that education, digital literacy, and parental involvement offer more effective solutions than blanket prohibitions. Parliamentary Push for Stricter Controls The initiative was introduced by lawmaker Dilnoza Ahmadzoda in an article in Narodnaya Gazeta. She proposed banning access to social media for children under 14 and requiring written parental consent for adolescents aged 14 to 17. Ahmadzoda pointed out that amendments to the Law on the Protection of Children’s Rights were already passed earlier this year, targeting false and harmful content. However, she contends that these changes do not go far enough. “It is necessary to introduce further changes to ensure that children’s and teenagers’ use of social media is under control,” Ahmadzoda said. Expert Concerns: "A Ban Is Not the Solution" Experts caution that an outright ban may do more harm than good. Media literacy specialist Rustam Gulov warned that prohibitions often increase curiosity and drive youth online behavior underground. “A ban is not the solution. If you forbid it, interest will only grow, and young people will find ways to hide their activity. Such measures push them backward in terms of technological development. Control is more effective,” Gulov said. He noted that while platforms already impose age restrictions, children frequently bypass them using false birthdates or by accessing accounts through their parents’ devices. Gulov recommended closer collaboration with companies such as Meta to establish more effective content controls. He also advocated for the inclusion of media literacy education in school programs. “Children should learn from an early age how to use the internet and social networks responsibly and how to distinguish false or harmful information,” he said. Another major concern, according to Gulov, is the lack of quality digital content in literary Tajik. As a result, many young users switch to Russian-language platforms. “Social networks can serve as an educational tool, if there is enough quality content in Tajik,” he added. Public Opinion in Dushanbe Reactions among residents of the capital are mixed. Some favor tight restrictions, while others emphasize the potential benefits of social media in education and personal development. Psychologist Nigina Mamadjonova opposes a complete ban but underscores the importance of parental responsibility. “This is primarily the responsibility of parents. Unfortunately, most of them do not take it seriously,” she said. Mamadjonova criticized the widespread practice of giving smartphones to children “for quick peace and quiet” without supervising their activity. She warned that this leaves children vulnerable to cyberbullying, manipulation, and online predators. She also argued that preschoolers should not use phones at all, as screen time isolates them from physical activity and social interaction. For older children, she supports promoting digital literacy and steering them toward constructive online content. Mixed Results Abroad Other countries have implemented similar restrictions with varying degrees of success. In Australia, minors under 16 are prohibited from using platforms...

Tourism

Tourism in Tajikistan: Five Years of Progress and Persistent Barriers

Five years ago, Canadian researcher Christian Bleuer identified 25 key obstacles hindering the growth of Tajikistan’s tourism sector. Since then, the industry has made measurable progress but many challenges remain unresolved. Digitalization and Initial Progress Significant strides have been made in digital infrastructure. The introduction of electronic visas, online services, and the availability of eSIM cards has improved access for international travelers. Dushanbe has witnessed the opening of new hotels and restaurants, an expansion of taxi services in major cities, and the reconstruction of sections of the M41 highway. Other positive steps include training programs for tour guides, the creation of tourist information centers in Dushanbe, Khorog, and other cities, and growing competition in the hospitality and restaurant industries. Experts also note that travel bloggers and social media have, in some cases, done more to improve the country’s image than official marketing campaigns. Partial Improvements While services have improved in urban areas, regional disparities persist. Tourists can now find decent hotels and cafes in major cities, but service quality outside these hubs remains inconsistent. The e-visa system has streamlined entry procedures, although public awareness of the platform is still low. Digital tools such as Google Maps and mobile apps assist navigation in urban centers, but coverage remains sparse outside Dushanbe and Khujand. Financial infrastructure has also improved, with more ATMs available in the capital. However, access to foreign currency remains a barrier. Aviation has seen some progress under the "Open Skies" policy, with new routes to China and Uzbekistan launched, though high airfares continue to deter potential visitors. Ongoing Challenges Several systemic issues continue to hamper tourism development. Connectivity remains weak: Tajikistan ranks 117th globally for fixed internet speed and lags behind regional peers in mobile data performance, averaging under 24 Mbps. Environmental concerns also diminish the visitor experience. Litter is visible not only in rural areas but even in Dushanbe. Transport remains problematic, with the Jirgatal border crossing closed to foreigners and the Pamir Highway via the Khaburabad Pass largely inaccessible during winter months. A national ban on drones restricts opportunities for photo and video tourism. Additionally, poor coordination among tour operators, taxi drivers, and hoteliers prevents the formation of a unified tourism strategy. Structural Constraints Some limitations are more difficult to overcome. Tajikistan’s geography, landlocked and bordering Afghanistan, poses accessibility challenges. The country also lacks the architectural heritage that makes neighboring Uzbekistan a dominant player in regional cultural tourism. Urban development trends further complicate matters. The demolition of historical buildings and widespread tree-cutting in Dushanbe have eroded the capital’s aesthetic appeal. Tajikistan’s Tourism Development Strategy to 2030 acknowledges the sector’s underperformance. Its contribution to the global tourism market remains modest, constrained by low investment, weak infrastructure, and uneven service quality. Nevertheless, experts believe the sector holds untapped potential. Tourism could create employment opportunities for young people and help reduce labor migration. Realizing this potential will require stronger private sector involvement, upgraded services, and more effective international promotion.

Economy

World Bank Warns Tajikistan on Limits of Migration-Driven Growth

Tajikistan has made notable strides in reducing poverty over the past decade, but sustaining this progress will require a shift away from reliance on labor migration and remittances, according to a new World Bank report. The Poverty and Equity Assessment in Tajikistan notes that the share of people living in poverty fell from 56 percent in 2010 to around 20 percent in 2024. During the same period, the middle class expanded from 8 percent to 33 percent of the population, with 35 percent of households joining its ranks between 2021 and 2023. However, these gains have largely been driven by remittances, which consistently account for more than 30 percent of GDP, rather than domestic job creation. Job Creation Remains Weak Employment generation, however, remains limited. As of 2022, only 40 percent of the working-age population was employed, the lowest rate in the region, while female labor force participation stood at just 21 percent. Inequality has also worsened. The Gini coefficient rose from 32 to 38 between 2021 and 2023, with rural and remote areas most affected due to poor infrastructure and weak market access. Education poses an additional constraint. In 2023, 31 percent of children were not attending school, especially at higher grade levels. Contributing factors include financial hardship, distance to schools, and low parental education. Many university graduates either take low-paid jobs or emigrate. World Bank Recommendations The World Bank urges Tajikistan to transition from a remittance-dependent model to one grounded in domestic employment and economic resilience. Key recommendations include: modernizing agriculture with climate-resilient technologies; promoting labor-intensive private sector growth, particularly in agricultural processing, services, and small enterprises; expanding access to education, vocational training, and digital infrastructure, especially in rural areas; strengthening targeted social support for vulnerable households. “Tajikistan’s progress in poverty reduction is impressive, but sustaining and deepening these gains requires a rebalancing of priorities,” said Wei Winnie Wang, the World Bank’s Acting Country Manager in Tajikistan. She emphasized that improving domestic job creation, reducing spatial inequality, and investing in human capital would help build a more inclusive and sustainable economy. Government Response Tajikistan’s Ministry of Economic Development and Trade acknowledged that the report’s findings align with national development priorities. Deputy Minister Ahliddin Nuriddinzoda highlighted the role of the Poverty and Middle Class Expansion Council, established with World Bank support, as a platform for monitoring poverty and shaping related policy. According to the ministry, the World Bank’s current portfolio in Tajikistan includes 26 projects worth $1.9 billion, focused on infrastructure, human capital, and institutional reforms. The International Finance Corporation has also invested more than $70 million in the private sector.

Exhibition

The Unseen Animals of Central Asia: A Photography Exhibit by Bogna Wiltowska

For six months, Polish photographer Bogna Wiltowska documented animals in farms and slaughterhouses in Central Asia as a We Animals Fellow. On World Farmed Animals Day (Oct 2nd), a virtual exhibition of her work will open, allowing everyone to witness the untold stories of the animals Bogna encountered in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan - countries experiencing the gradual industrialization of animal agriculture. Explaining her choice to focus on animals in this yet unexplored region, Bogna said, “Until now, the lives of farmed animals in Central Asia have remained largely undocumented. At the same time, I knew that an animal advocacy movement led by passionate grassroots activists was slowly beginning to emerge there. This was the perfect moment to take a closer look at what was happening and give animals a voice in countries where they aren’t often considered.” [caption id="attachment_36666" align="aligncenter" width="734"] Image: Bogna Wiltowska[/caption] Every year, We Animals awards a small number of Animal Photojournalism Fellowships, which support up-and-coming photojournalists to tell the stories of animals used for food. Fellows work remotely with We Animals’ founder, award-winning photojournalist Jo-Anne McArthur, for approximately six months. The Fellow receives funding to cover project costs and a stipend for the duration of the Fellowship, totalling $6,500 CAD ($4,670). Based in Poland, Bogna is the Director of Investigations at the non-profit Otwarte Klatki and has worked in several countries documenting industrial farming and rescuing animals. Despite witnessing enormous suffering, she remains committed to a better world for animals. [caption id="attachment_36667" align="aligncenter" width="732"] Image: Bogna Wiltowska[/caption] Bogna was awarded the fellowship in recognition of her experience, well-planned project, and desire to grow in the field of animal photojournalism. Her project illuminates underrepresented animals and provides advocates in Central Asia with strong visuals for their work. Reflecting on this project, Bogna said, “The Fellowship was one of the most important experiences in my work for animals. After over a decade of working for animals and managing a large organization with an investigations team, I felt deeply tired and overwhelmed. The Fellowship placed me in a completely new role. This time, I was the one receiving support (instead of giving it), and I had the chance to learn from the best in areas where I had previously been self-taught.” [caption id="attachment_36668" align="aligncenter" width="1163"] Image: weanimals.org[/caption] The virtual exhibition will run from October 2nd to 31st, 2025. The free event is entirely virtual and available in English. It contains some graphic imagery.