TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK: Smartphone limits for schoolchildren, higher public-sector pay and a 340-meter tower in Dushanbe

Tajikistan’s first month of autumn is expected to be warmer than usual, with little rainfall. Temperatures in the valleys could reach 32 to 37 degrees Celsius during the first half of September, while noticeable cooling is expected only in the second half.

The week’s main political proposal came from President Emomali Rahmon, who instructed officials to study restrictions on schoolchildren’s use of smartphones and social networks within three months. Rahmon said uncontrolled internet access could affect children’s sleep, memory, speech, ability to learn and physical development. Authorities also plan to develop a culture of safe internet, social media and artificial intelligence use among young people.

Rahmon called for changes in vocational and higher education, including stronger practical training, earlier specialized subjects and help for children choosing professions according to their abilities. From September 1, salaries for preschool and general secondary education workers rose by 25%, while other budget employees received a 20% increase. Stipends, including presidential stipends, also rose by 20%, and pensions increased by at least 15%. The minimum wage across economic and social sectors is now 1,300 somoni a month.

The review linked a disaster in Nepal, where a glacier and rockslide produced a rapid flow of ice, water and rocks, to concerns about Tajikistan’s mountain regions. More than 90% of Tajikistan is mountainous, and many settlements, roads and other infrastructure stand in narrow valleys and on slopes. Experts are calling for stronger early-warning systems, glacial-lake monitoring, public preparedness and more resilient infrastructure. Tajikistan recorded 741 natural emergencies in the first half of 2026, killing 12 people and causing nearly 53 million somoni in damage.

Rahmon also travelled to Bishkek on August 31 for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization leaders’ summit. The meeting was expected to adopt 27 documents covering security, energy, artificial intelligence, climate and other areas. Rahmon proposed economic-growth zones within the SCO area and a Regional Digital Agroecological Platform. The supplied review also points to further proposals and a planned 340-meter tower in Dushanbe.