AGP Executive Report

Afghanistan Security Row: The Islamic Emirate rejected Pakistan and Tajikistan’s claims about “terrorist camps” in Afghanistan, calling them old propaganda and saying there is no credible proof, as Pakistan’s interior minister said about 25 terrorist groups are active there. SCO Security Push: Tajikistan urged SCO members to expand joint drills and improve information sharing on counterterrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, and digital threats, with Tajik Interior Minister Ramazon Rahimzoda calling for deeper operational coordination. Regional Border Talks: Pakistan’s Mohsin Naqvi met Tajik counterpart Rahimzoda in Bishkek, focusing on Afghanistan-linked terrorism and narcotics, and also signed with Russia agreements to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Trade & Power Cooperation: Dushanbe and Islamabad agreed a three-year roadmap to lift bilateral trade to $200 million and move CASA-1000 toward operationalization, with a working group meeting planned in Istanbul. Agriculture Boost: Tajikistan is expanding vegetable output via greenhouse farming, reporting over 3,000 tons harvested since the start of the year and more than 1,000 greenhouses in operation.

SCO Security Talks: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Russia’s Vladimir Kolokoltsev in Bishkek and signed accords to curb illegal immigration, coordinate repatriation, and step up joint action against narcotics and drug trafficking. Afghanistan Spillover: In separate talks with Tajik Interior Minister Ramazon Rahimzoda, both sides flagged terrorist camps and drug production in Afghanistan as major regional threats, citing around 25 active terrorist groups. Regional Diplomacy: Naqvi also met Iran’s interior minister in Dushanbe to discuss border security and internal safety cooperation. Trade Push: Tajikistan and Pakistan wrapped up their 8th Joint Commission session in Dushanbe, agreeing a three-year roadmap to lift bilateral trade to $200 million and to keep working on CASA-1000 terms. Energy Planning: Tajikistan published a hydropower-led power system plan for the Pamir region through 2050, aiming to boost resilience and sustainability. Transport Link: Direct Dushanbe–Moscow passenger trains are set to resume June 21 after a six-year pause.

Security Cooperation: Pakistan and Russia signed new accords at the SCO meeting in Bishkek to curb illegal immigration, speed repatriation of people living unlawfully, and intensify joint action against narcotics and drug trafficking. Afghanistan Spillover: During separate talks, Pakistan’s interior minister also discussed with Tajik officials concerns about terrorist camps and drug production in Afghanistan, with officials citing around 25 active terrorist groups. Border Stability: Pakistan also met Iran’s interior minister in Dushanbe to coordinate border security, improve law and order in border areas, and curb illegal cross-border activity. Trade & Energy: Tajikistan and Pakistan wrapped up their 8th Joint Commission in Dushanbe, agreeing a three-year roadmap to lift bilateral trade to $200 million and pushing work on CASA-1000, with a joint working group set to meet in Istanbul. Transport Links: Russia and Tajikistan will restart the Dushanbe–Moscow passenger train on June 21 after a six-year pandemic pause. Sports: India lost 1-3 to Tajikistan in an international friendly in Tursunzoda, with Tajikistan scoring three times.

SCO Security Talks: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi signed agreements with Russia on the sidelines of an SCO meeting in Bishkek to curb illegal immigration and improve repatriation, while also expanding joint action against narcotics and drug trafficking; Naqvi also met Tajik officials on Afghanistan-linked security concerns, including alleged terrorist camps and drug production. Border & Regional Stability: Naqvi met Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni in Tajikistan to coordinate border security, tighten controls on illegal cross-border activity, and strengthen law-and-order cooperation. Trade Push with Dushanbe: Pakistan and Tajikistan wrapped up their 8th Joint Commission session in Dushanbe, agreeing a three-year roadmap to lift bilateral trade to $200 million and to advance CASA-1000 electricity project work, plus tariff and regulation information-sharing. Energy Planning: Tajikistan published a hydropower-led power system plan for Gorno-Badakhshan through 2050, introducing tools like HydroSelect and a Hydropower Sustainability Standard to guide future projects. Transport Link Restored: Russia and Tajikistan will restart the Dushanbe–Moscow direct passenger train service from June 21, running every two weeks after a six-year pause. Sports: India lost 1-3 to Tajikistan in an international friendly in Tursunzoda, with Tajik goals from Sheriddin Boboev, Mekhrubon Karimov, and Ehson Panjshanbe.

SCO Afghanistan Talks: SCO deputy chief Ahmad Saidmurodzoda says member states are exploring a revival of the SCO Contact Group on Afghanistan, with Tajikistan pushing the first consultations in four years in Dushanbe. Pakistan–Tajik Trade Push: At the 8th Joint Commission in Dushanbe, Pakistan and Tajikistan agreed a three-year roadmap to lift bilateral trade to $200 million, including tariff/regulation information sharing, business-to-business links, and continued talks on a preferential trade deal. CASA-1000 Next Steps: The same talks set a plan to finalize remaining CASA-1000 commercial and operational issues at a Joint Working Group meeting in Istanbul later this month. Banking Cooperation: China and Tajikistan discussed expanding financial ties, including easier trade payments and possible Chinese bank branches in Tajikistan. Energy Planning: Tajikistan published a hydropower-led power system plan for Gorno-Badakhshan through 2050, introducing tools like HydroSelect and a sustainability standard for project selection. Transport Link Restored: Direct passenger rail between Dushanbe and Moscow returns June 21 after a six-year pause, running every two weeks. Sports: India lost 1-3 to Tajikistan in an international friendly in Tursunzoda, with Tajik goals from Boboev, Karimov and Panjshanbe.

Pakistan–Tajikistan Trade Push: Dushanbe hosted the 8th Joint Commission on Trade, Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation, where both sides set a three-year roadmap to lift bilateral trade to $200 million, with plans to exchange tariff and regulation data, expand business-to-business ties, and keep negotiating a preferential trade agreement. CASA-1000 Update: The same talks advanced work on the CASA-1000 electricity project, with a joint working group due to meet in Istanbul later this month to settle remaining commercial and operational issues. Rail Links Return: Russia and Tajikistan agreed to restart the direct Dushanbe–Moscow passenger train on June 21 after a six-year pandemic pause, running every two weeks. Energy Planning for Pamir: Tajikistan published a hydropower-led power system plan for Gorno-Badakhshan through 2050, introducing tools to screen projects and assess environmental and social performance. Border Security Talks: Pakistan’s interior minister met Iran’s counterpart in Dushanbe to boost cooperation on border management and curb illegal cross-border activity. Sports & Youth: The IJF announced the Hoji Sharif Dushanbe Junior Grand Prix for Oct. 24–25, 2026, followed by an international training camp.

Pakistan–Tajik Trade Push: Dushanbe hosted the 8th session of the Joint Commission on Trade, Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation, where Pakistan and Tajikistan agreed a three-year roadmap to lift bilateral trade to $200 million, with plans for trade delegations, B2B meetings, tariff and regulation exchanges, and continued talks on a preferential trade agreement. Rail Connectivity: Tajikistan and Russia will restart the direct Dushanbe–Moscow passenger train on June 21, running every two weeks after a six-year pandemic suspension. Rogun Spotlight: A new report takes readers inside the Rogun dam project as it moves into a decisive phase, detailing the scale of tunnels, diversion works and turbines as Tajikistan positions the mega-project for power and exports. Water Diplomacy: Multiple events around Dushanbe’s water agenda highlighted transboundary cooperation and women’s roles in water management, ahead of the wider international water process. Labor Rights: A Tajik migrant in Russia received nearly $15,000 in unpaid wages after a government intervention.

Media & Culture: A new wave of journalism roles is emerging as newsrooms “future-proof” themselves, while Tajikfilm says its site now hosts 10 animated films for children, including titles like Alifbo and Sarguzashti Gandym, aiming to keep kids learning through fun. Trade & Energy Diplomacy: Tajikistan and Pakistan agreed a three-year roadmap to lift bilateral trade to $200 million, alongside expanded cooperation in energy, agriculture, IT, health, and investment, formalized through a joint commission meeting in Dushanbe. Regional Power & Renewables: Dushanbe is pushing renewable energy and regional electricity exports to cut climate and seasonal risks, with hydropower still powering about 95% of its electricity. Water Governance in Dushanbe: As the UN water process gathers momentum, Dushanbe hosted multiple water-focused events, including forums on women’s leadership in water management and transboundary cooperation. Waste & Cities: Dushanbe is considering a waste-to-energy plant with a Chinese firm to turn municipal trash into electricity and ease landfill pressure. Labor Rights: A Tajik migrant in Russia received nearly $15,000 in unpaid wages after a government intervention.

Trade Deal: Tajikistan and Pakistan agreed a three-year roadmap to lift bilateral trade to $200 million, with plans for trade fairs, B2B meetings, tariff transparency, and faster finalization of a preferential arrangement. Energy & Green Power: Dushanbe is pushing renewable energy and regional electricity exports, noting hydropower supplies about 95% of its electricity while climate and seasonal risks drive diversification. Joint Commission: The two countries also set up a Joint Commission to expand cooperation across energy, agriculture, IT, health, banking, tourism, and the CASA-1000 electricity corridor. Water Diplomacy: Tajikistan hosted a string of water-focused events in Dushanbe, including OSCE-led border and water cooperation training and forums centered on women’s roles in water governance. Rogun Watch: A new report highlights Rogun dam as a major test of Europe’s ability to fund strategic infrastructure in Central Asia. Labor Rights: A Tajik migrant in Russia received nearly $15,000 in unpaid wages after a government intervention. Culture & Education: Rahmon ordered stronger teaching of the Persian “ancestral alphabet,” while Dushanbe prepares for a Tajikistan–South Korea culture festival.

Border Diplomacy: Tajik envoy Zavqi Zavqizoda says the Tajik-Kyrgyz border dispute is “fully and finally resolved,” citing the March 31, 2025 Khujand Declaration and a trilateral border-junction treaty. Water Diplomacy Hub: Dushanbe hosted a major OSCE- and UN-backed push on transboundary water trust-building ahead of the 4th UN Water Conference, with repeated calls for inclusive policy and women’s participation in water governance. Women in Water: Tajikistan convened “Women and Water 2026” and a Central Asia women parliamentarians meeting, focusing on gender-sensitive water management, climate resilience, and glacier cooperation. Rogun Spotlight: A new report frames Rogun as a strategic test for EU influence in Central Asia as construction expands and Europe seeks a bigger role beyond Russia. Labor Rights: A Tajik migrant in Russia received nearly $15,000 in unpaid wages after a Tajik labor ministry intervention. Education & Identity: President Rahmon ordered stronger teaching of the Persian “ancestral alphabet,” expanding Persian-script instruction in schools and universities. Trade: Tajikistan-Iran trade turnover rose to $119.6m in Q1 2026, up 8%, after a joint commission meeting in Dushanbe.

Border Diplomacy: Tajik envoy Zavqi Zavqizoda says the Tajik-Kyrgyz border dispute is “fully and finally resolved,” citing the 2025 Khujand Declaration and a trilateral border-junction treaty, while also pointing to regional cooperation on water and energy. UNICEF & Skills: Tajikistan and UNICEF discussed a new phase of vocational education cooperation for 2027–2030, with officials praising Tajik long-term planning in primary and secondary vocational training. Labor Rights in Russia: A Tajik migrant in Russia received nearly $15,000 in unpaid wages after Tajik labor officials intervened with the employer; the ministry urged workers to sign formal contracts before leaving. Water Diplomacy in Dushanbe: OSCE and partners ran water-trust and transboundary cooperation events ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference, with strong emphasis on women’s participation in water governance. Waste-to-Energy Plan: Dushanbe is considering a modern waste-to-energy facility to cut landfill reliance and generate electricity as the city’s waste grows. Rogun Dam Scrutiny: A new report frames Rogun as a major test of EU influence in Central Asia as construction continues and Europe’s ambitions meet Russia’s retreat. Education & Identity: President Rahmon ordered better teaching of the Persian “ancestral alphabet,” pushing schools and universities to strengthen script education tied to national heritage. Tajik-Iran Trade: Tajikistan–Iran trade rose about $9 million in early 2026, reaching $119.6 million in Q1, after talks at the joint commission in Dushanbe.

Rogun Dam: The EU is set to become a major funder of Tajikistan’s strategic Rogun project as Russia’s influence in Central Asia faces new limits, with the megadam’s scale and underground works framed as a test of Europe’s ability to back high-stakes infrastructure. Water Diplomacy: Dushanbe hosted a major OSCE-backed border and water cooperation push, including OSCE border security training with Uzbek participation and a Dushanbe seminar on building trust through shared waters ahead of the UN “Water for Sustainable Development” conference. Women and Water: Multiple Dushanbe events put women at the center of water governance, from the “Women and Water 2026” forum to meetings of women parliamentarians and water diplomacy networks focused on gender-sensitive policy, finance, and glacier conservation. Green Cities: Tajikistan is considering a waste-to-energy plant in Dushanbe, aiming to cut landfill pressure while generating electricity. Regional Ties: Tajikistan and South Korea are set for a 2026 culture festival, while Tajikistan and Iran reported a near-$9 million trade rise in early 2026. Energy Industry: President Emomali Rahmon ordered four new cement plants by 2029 to double domestic output and meet construction demand.

Water Diplomacy in Dushanbe: A three-day OSCE/UNU-INWEH/CAREC seminar wrapped up on building trust for shared waters, with a strong push to use scientific data in negotiations and to keep women involved in water diplomacy. Women Lead the Water Agenda: In parallel, Dushanbe hosted “Women and Water 2026” and a meeting of Central Asian women parliamentarians focused on gender-sensitive water management, financing, glacier conservation, and climate resilience. Waste-to-Energy Plan: Dushanbe is weighing a modern waste-to-energy facility to cut landfill waste, improve sanitation, and add electricity capacity, with talks involving a Chinese waste-treatment firm. Tajik–South Korea Cultural Boost: Tajikistan and South Korea are set to deepen ties through a June 17–18 culture festival in Dushanbe, following earlier friendship-focused cooperation. Education & Identity: President Emomali Rahmon ordered better teaching of the Persian “ancestral alphabet” in schools and universities as part of national heritage efforts. Tajik–Iran Trade Up: Tajikistan–Iran trade rose about $9 million in early 2026, reaching $119.6 million in Q1, after the 18th joint commission meeting. Cement Expansion: Rahmon also ordered four new cement plants by 2029 to double output and meet domestic demand.

Water Diplomacy in Dushanbe: A three-day OSCE/UNU-INWEH/CAREC seminar on building trust through shared waters wrapped up as Tajikistan hosts the 4th “Water for Sustainable Development” conference push. Women in Water Leadership: Tajikistan convened “Women and Water 2026” and a Central Asia meeting of women parliamentarians, focusing on gender-sensitive water policy, financing, glacier conservation, and climate resilience. Transboundary Water Security: Speakers warned that unilateral moves and weak treaty compliance can destabilize shared river systems; ministers also urged stronger global safeguards and data-sharing. Regional Cooperation on Water: Libya and Tajikistan discussed dam studies and integrated water management, while CAREC promoted WasteMAP to track landfill methane. Tajikistan–South Korea Culture Festival: Dushanbe will host the Tajikistan–South Korea Culture Festival on June 17–18, spotlighting growing bilateral ties. Tajikistan–Iran Trade: Trade turnover rose to $119.6m in Q1 2026, up about $9m year-on-year. Domestic Industry: President Rahmon ordered four new cement plants by 2029 to double output and cover local demand. Digital Tax Crackdown: From Sept. 1, 2026, Tajikistan will tax e-wallet and QR transactions to bring unregistered entrepreneurs into the tax system.

Tajik–China Water and Ecology Push: Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin says cooperation with China is deepening on water conservation, glacier protection and green energy, including a joint “Water and Science” project linking Tajik and Chinese academies. Tajik–Iran Trade Gains Momentum: Trade turnover between Tajikistan and Iran hit $119.6 million in Q1 2026, up about 8% year-on-year, after the 18th joint commission meeting in Dushanbe that also signed a protocol for new projects. Dushanbe Water Conference Outcomes: At the 4th high-level “Water for Sustainable Development” conference, UN envoy Retno Marsudi stressed collective action and faster implementation, while regional partners focused on investment and practical transboundary cooperation. Domestic Industry Boost: President Emomali Rahmon ordered four new cement plants by 2029 to double output and cover domestic demand, aiming to create about 5,000 jobs. Digital Tax Crackdown: From Sept. 1, 2026, Tajikistan will tax e-wallet and QR payments to pull unregistered entrepreneurs into the system. Security Cooperation Warning: Russia’s FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov said Tajik and Uzbek security services helped disrupt terrorist plans, while warning about ISIS-K recruitment in Central Asia.

Water Diplomacy in Dushanbe: Tajikistan hosted the 4th High-Level International Conference on “Water for Sustainable Development,” with officials and partners urging faster action, more investment, and practical steps for transboundary cooperation. Central Asia Water Security: Kyrgyz officials pushed for regional compensation mechanisms to help fund reservoir upkeep and glacier protection as glaciers melt and river flows become less reliable. Treaty Tensions: Pakistan’s climate minister Musadik Malik warned against “water aggression” and urged India to respect the Indus Waters Treaty, saying unilateral moves could undermine downstream rights. Digital Economy Warning: Indonesia warned that AI, data centers, and digital infrastructure are driving huge water demand, potentially turning water stress into a major crisis. Local Economy: President Rahmon ordered four new cement plants to double Tajikistan’s output by 2029, aiming to cover domestic construction needs and create thousands of jobs. Energy Megaproject: A new report revisits the road to Rogun Dam, framing it as a long-promised solution to winter power shortages.