President Emomali Rahmon Calls for Greater Efforts to Safeguard Independence and National Unity Ahead of 35th Anniversary

Dushanbe, The Gulf Observer: Tajikistan is preparing to celebrate the 35th anniversary of its state independence, with the country’s people entering the national celebrations with significant achievements in economic, social and cultural development, President Emomali Rahmon said.

Addressing representatives and residents of Khatlon Region and the city of Bokhtar, Rahmon congratulated the people of the region on the upcoming national holiday and wished them health, happiness, peace and stability.

The president recalled that the early years of independence represented an extremely sensitive and decisive period in Tajikistan’s modern history, particularly for the people of Khatlon Region.

He said the imposed civil war severely disrupted peace and stability across the country, with Khatlon among the areas most seriously affected. The conflict, he noted, created a real threat to Tajikistan’s independence, national unity and continued existence as a sovereign state.

Khatlon Region, particularly Bokhtar, was among the country’s areas affected by conflict and instability during those years, suffering substantial material and social losses. Many residents were forced to leave their homes and seek refuge abroad, while thousands of houses, schools, hospitals and other social facilities were destroyed or damaged.

Under those difficult circumstances, peace, security and stability became the foremost aspirations of the population, Rahmon said.

He noted that the government took urgent measures to restore security, protect the population, facilitate the return of refugees and create conditions for peaceful and stable living across the region.

The president praised the people of Khatlon and Bokhtar for their historic contribution to the country’s reconstruction and development, as well as patriotic entrepreneurs whose efforts supported the region’s transformation.

According to Rahmon, the construction and reconstruction of thousands of social and industrial facilities, roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects have become indicators of Khatlon’s development and a source of pride for its residents.

He expressed his gratitude to the region’s population, intellectuals and patriotic entrepreneurs for their contribution to the country’s progress.

Rahmon also highlighted Khatlon’s importance as a region rich in the ancient history and cultural heritage of the Tajik people. He said the region contains numerous historical monuments reflecting its ancient civilization and the traditional occupations of its population.

He noted that dozens of historical and cultural sites in the region have been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, reflecting their significance as part of humanity’s shared cultural heritage.

The president said residents of Khatlon continue to make an important contribution to the country’s social, economic, cultural and spiritual development while preserving the history and traditions of their ancestors and demonstrating a strong sense of patriotism and national pride.

Rahmon emphasized that Tajikistan’s achievements and progress have been made possible through state independence, national unity and the dedicated work of its people.

He called for greater efforts to preserve and strengthen the achievements of modern Tajik statehood and urged families to raise the younger generation with a strong sense of national identity, patriotism, respect for national history and culture, and commitment to honest and dedicated work.

The president placed particular emphasis on the role of young people, describing them as the bearers of the future of the independent Tajik state. He urged them to recognize that the country’s future prosperity depends on their determination, perseverance, initiative and constructive efforts.

He also called on young people to remain vigilant in the face of contemporary global threats, strengthen their sense of responsibility toward the state and nation, and remain prepared to safeguard national interests.

Rahmon expressed confidence in the patriotism, national pride, courage, determination and dedication of the people of Khatlon Region, including the historic city of Bokhtar.

Concluding his address, the president once again congratulated the people of Khatlon on the 35th anniversary of Tajikistan’s state independence and expressed hope that the values of independence, freedom, statehood and patriotism would continue to prevail throughout the country and in every Tajik household.

He extended his wishes for a successful and memorable celebration of the 35th anniversary of Tajikistan’s state independence.