🇹🇯 Asia-Plus
Tajikistan · EN · https://asiaplustj.info
About Asia-Plus
Asia-Plus is a privately owned independent news agency, owned by Asia Plus Media Group, and based in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. It has received funding from the National Endowment for Democracy. This entity is distinct from financial services companies with similar names in Thailand and Singapore.
Asia-Plus operates in Tajikistan, a country consistently rated as 'not-free' for press freedom by Freedom House and Reporters Without Borders. Despite being a privately owned and independent outlet, Asia-Plus has faced significant government censorship, including website blocking and legal actions against its journalists and editor. Reporters Without Borders has condemned the arrests of Asia-Plus journalists for criticizing the government. This environment of severe restrictions and pressure suggests that the outlet's editorial content is likely influenced by state interests or self-censorship, despite its nominal independence.
Reading context
Media systems vary by law, ownership, and editorial custom. We preserve each outlet's framing and add context so readers can compare coverage without treating one country as the default.
How Tatars live today in Tajikistan's Sughd province
- Tatars in Tajikistan, including Crimean Tatars forcibly relocated in 1944, are striving to preserve their cultural traditions. - Zainab Daerbekova leads the "Duslyk" Tatar community in Istaravshan, …
Dushanbe Court Places Child in Boarding School Over Parental Neglect Allegations
- A child in Dushanbe has been placed in a special educational institution by court order. - Authorities cited the parents' alleged neglect of the child's upbringing and education as the reason. - Pol…
Water conference in Dushanbe underscores global deficit in clean water access
- The Fourth High-Level International Conference on Water for Sustainable Development concluded in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, with 2,500 participants discussing water resource management and climate. - The…
Eshta Bank introduces a new generation children’s wallet
- Eskhata Bank launched a new digital "children's wallet" within its "Eskhata Online" mobile application. - The platform helps children aged 7-16 learn money management with parental oversight, offeri…
US and Iran agree on ceasefire extension, Strait of Hormuz shipping deal
- The United States and Iran have agreed on a draft memorandum of understanding that includes a 60-day ceasefire extension. - The deal also proposes restoring full shipping access through the Strait o…
“Hit with fists on the lower back and abdomen.” A teacher from Nurobod, claiming he was beaten by a student’s brother, details the attack
- A history and law teacher in Nurobod, Tajikistan, claims he was beaten and threatened by the brother of a student after discussing the student's poor academic performance. - The incident, which occu…
NANSMIT head: Asia-Plus makes a worthy contribution to the development of freedom of speech in Tajikistan
- Asia-Plus Media Group celebrates its 30th anniversary, recognized for its contribution to freedom of speech in Tajikistan. - The head of NANSMIT praised Asia-Plus for consistently informing society …
Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan conduct first eTIR cargo transports
- Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have successfully conducted their first cargo transports using the eTIR system, marking a digital advancement in Central Asian road transport. - The operations involved the…
President Rahmon awarded UN University for Peace Certificate of Recognition
- President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan received a UN University for Peace Certificate of Recognition. - The award honors his contributions to peacebuilding, regional cooperation, and strengthening i…
China to Supply Tajikistan with Reconnaissance Equipment Worth 72 Million Somoni
- China will provide Tajikistan with anti-terrorism and reconnaissance equipment valued at 72 million somoni under a grant aid agreement. - The equipment will be delivered to a border checkpoint on Ta…
Mudflows have once again caused damage to the residents of Kulob, Panjakent, and several districts of Tajikistan
- Heavy rains in Tajikistan from May 19-20 triggered mudslides in several cities and districts, causing material damage to residents. - Affected areas include Kulob and Panjakent cities, as well as Pa…
Tajikistan: Over 6,000 Graduates Vie for 1,670 Presidential University Quotas
- Over 6,000 high school graduates in Tajikistan are competing for 1,670 presidential quotas for free university education in the upcoming academic year. - The number of presidential quotas will incre…
Why are millions of Tajiks unemployed?
- Tajikistan's labor market has grown, but millions of able-bodied residents, particularly women and those in rural areas, remain outside the workforce. - A 2025 labor force survey reveals a significa…
Tajikistan: Mudslide Victims in Kulob Receive Government Aid for Reconstruction
- Over 520 families in Kulob, Tajikistan, have received government assistance following a mudslide. - Aid includes food, household items, and building materials to help residents rebuild their homes. …
What teens are silent about on the internet; Asia-Plus sums up the results of the “Zireh” information campaign
- The "Zireh" information campaign, focused on the challenges teenagers face online, has concluded after 10 months of work. - The campaign addressed issues such as bullying, blackmail, fakes, and pres…
Uzbekistan to raise electricity and gas rates
- Uzbekistan will increase electricity and gas rates starting June 1, 2026, with an average consumer increase of approximately 9.9%. - Residential electricity rates will remain tiered, with prices inc…
Oman Gears Up for Arabian Gulf Cup Draw Hosted by Saudi Arabia
- Oman's national football team is preparing for the draw ceremony for the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup, hosted by Saudi Arabia. - The tournament will take place from September 23 to October 6 in Jeddah, fea…
Somon Air to receive new Boeing-737 aircraft as early as summer 2026
- Somon Air is set to receive new Boeing-737 MAX 8 aircraft, with deliveries expected in July-August this year. - The Tajik airline and Boeing representatives discussed preparations for the new aircra…
Who Most Frequently Takes Bribes in Tajikistan’s Healthcare Sector?
- A survey of 10,000 Tajiks found the healthcare sector to be the third most corrupt, with maternity hospitals identified as the most corrupt within the sector. - The education sector ranked first in …
Tajik Teenagers Trust Online Strangers More Than Parents, Campaign Finds
- An informational campaign in Tajikistan, 'Zireh (Armor)', aimed to create a safer digital environment for teenagers by enhancing media literacy and critical thinking. - Research indicated teenagers …
Tajikistan Hosts Water Conference, Eyes Solutions and Partnerships
- Tajikistan is hosting the 4th High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action, “Water for Sustainable Development” (2018–2028), from May 25-28 in Dushanbe. - Over 110 offi…
Resident Held Accountable for Illegal Keeping of Wild Animals After Asia-Plus Publication
- Following a publication by Asia-Plus, a resident of Istaravshan, Tajikistan, was held accountable for illegally keeping wild animals. - The man had posted videos on social media showing a fox cub an…
Tajikistan to Track Electronic Wallet Transfers to Identify Unregistered Entrepreneurs
- Tajikistan is introducing a pilot project to track transfers to electronic wallets to identify unregistered individual entrepreneurs. - Transactions recognized as commercial will be taxed as the rec…
Kyrgyzstan: Ousted Security Chief Tashiyev Indicted, Case Moves to Closed Court
- Kyrgyzstan's Prosecutor-General's Office has approved the indictment against former security chief Kamchybek Tashiyev. Tashiyev is accused of preparing for a violent seizure of power and abuse of of…
Belgian authorities review results of Tajikistan's tax reforms
- Tajikistan's Tax Committee Chairman met with Belgium's Federal Public Service Finance Chairman in Brussels. - The meeting focused on the results of tax reforms implemented in Tajikistan in recent ye…
Tajik Political Scientist: Asia-Plus Media Group a Leading Voice After 30 Years
- A Tajik political scientist praised Asia-Plus Media Group for its 30 years of independent operation. - He noted the outlet's significance as a reliable source for information and analysis on Tajikis…
Tajikistan's Uranium Legacy: Sughd Province Leads in Cancer Rates Amid Environmental Concerns
- Tajikistan's Sughd province, home to much of the country's uranium legacy, has a disproportionately high cancer rate. - Decades of uranium mining have left numerous tailings storage facilities, many…
Kurash tournament in Uzbekistan ends in murder
- A tragic incident occurred during a kurash wrestling tournament in Denau, Uzbekistan, resulting in a death. - The victim was the father of one of the wrestlers, who was fatally stabbed by the brothe…
U.S. president calls Iran’s response to Washington’s peace proposal “unacceptable”
- U.S. President Donald Trump described Iran's response to Washington's peace proposals as "completely unacceptable." - Iran's state media countered that the opinion of the "so-called president" is ir…
Amin Qobilov and Marvori Nasriddinzoda Crowned Tajikistan Chess Champions
- Amin Qobilov and Marvori Nasriddinzoda won the men's and women's championships, respectively, at the Tajikistan Chess Championship. - The tournament in Dushanbe featured 72 participants, including 2…
What Victory Park in Dushanbe looks like after the reconstruction of the Memorial Complex
- Victory Park in Dushanbe is undergoing a large-scale reconstruction of its memorial complex, set to be completed by the May 9 holiday. - Updates include the renovation of the memory wall, the main s…
VIPzone Spring 2026 Issue Now Available
- VIPzone magazine's spring issue is now available, featuring diverse topics from business to culture. - The issue includes profiles on individuals like Davron Najmudinov discussing travel logic, Oyat…
Trump Announces "Very Good" Talks with Iran, Possibility of Quick Agreement
- U.S. President Donald Trump announced "very good" talks with Iran, suggesting a potential agreement could be reached soon. - Trump indicated the negotiation process is progressing successfully but w…
Man Detained in Tajikistan for Illegal Sale of Red Book Bear Cubs
- A 28-year-old man in Tajikistan's Sughd province has been detained for illegally capturing and attempting to sell two rare Tian Shan brown bear cubs. - The cubs, listed in the Red Book of Tajikistan…
Tajikistan to Access ADB Concessional Loans from 2027
- Tajikistan is set to gain access to concessional loans from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) starting in 2027, transitioning from grant-only support. - The country will be classified as an IDA gap c…
Tajikistan Loses Another Great Patriotic War Veteran at 101
- Mirzo Ghafourov, a veteran of the Great Patriotic War, died at the age of 101 in Tajikistan. - Ghafourov participated in the liberation of Romania, Bulgaria, and Germany during the war. - His death …
In Tajikistan, food and fuel prices rise
- Food and fuel prices in Tajikistan saw a significant increase in April 2026, placing a greater financial strain on households. - Potato prices rose by 23.4% compared to the five-year average, and th…
Asia-Plus celebrates 30 years, lauded for impartial journalism
- Asia-Plus, a media holding in Tajikistan, is celebrating its 30th anniversary, having grown from a news bulletin to a prominent media group. - Journalist Jovid Muqim praised Asia-Plus for its impart…
Uzbekistan to Build Six Waste-to-Energy Plants Worth $933 Million
- Uzbekistan plans to build six waste-to-energy plants totaling $933 million. - The facilities will process 3.6 million tons of waste annually and generate 1.6 billion kWh of electricity. - These proj…
Emomali Rahmon approves symbol for 2026 'Year of Expanding Improvement and Creation'
- President Emomali Rahmon approved the official symbol for 2026, designated as the “Year of Expanding Improvement and Creation, Strengthening National Identity and Self-Awareness.” - The symbol incor…
ADB Issues Inaugural Disaster Relief Bonds for Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has issued its first Disaster Relief Bonds (DRBs) to protect Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan against severe earthquakes and extreme precipitation. - These bonds, also know…
Over 1.8 Thousand Citizens of Tajikistan Employed in Russia with Assistance from Ministry of Labor
- Over 1,800 Tajik citizens found employment in Russia during the first three months of the year through the Ministry of Labor, Migration and Employment of the Population (MoLMEP). - These jobs includ…
Tajikistan expands cooperation with the US SEC to develop capital market
- Tajikistan's Ministry of Finance and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) agreed to expand cooperation on capital market development. - The collaboration includes creating a "roadmap" f…
Trump stated that hostilities with Iran are “terminated”
- U.S. President Donald Trump has informed Congress that military actions against Iran have ceased, as per a letter sent to congressional leaders. - The letter stated that military actions initiated o…
Three dead in Kulob following floods and landslides
- Floods and landslides in Kulob, Tajikistan, on May 1 resulted in three deaths and two injuries. - The disaster damaged residential homes and various social and urban facilities, with the full extent…
Tajikistan Approves 2040 Strategy for Telecommunications Sector Development
- Tajikistan has approved a "Strategy for the Development of the Telecommunications Sector until 2040" to guide digital transformation. - The strategy, mandated by President Emomali Rahmon, prioritize…
Central Asian Nations Pledge Joint Action to Boost Seismic Resilience
- Heads of emergency departments from Central Asian nations convened in Tashkent to sign a Joint Statement on enhancing regional seismic resilience. - The meeting coincided with the International Day …
Mudflows and dust storms expected in Tajikistan
- Tajikistan is bracing for potential mudflows and dust storms. - Authorities are urging citizens to take precautions to protect themselves from dust. - The specific timing and severity of these weath…
“Convenient, affordable, and cheap”: Dushanbe residents speak out on raids against shared taxis
- Dushanbe authorities are cracking down on illegal shared taxis, citing traffic congestion and disruption. - Residents strongly oppose the raids, arguing that these shared taxis are affordable, conve…
White House Calls Trump and King Charles 'TWO KINGS' in Social Media Post
- The White House's official X account posted a photo of President Trump with King Charles III, captioning it "TWO KINGS." - This follows previous instances of Trump using monarchical symbolism, inclu…
Tajik Serviceman Drowns After Jumping from Bridge
- A 23-year-old serviceman from Tajikistan's Ministry of Defense drowned in the Kofarnihon River. - The soldier reportedly jumped from a bridge into the river after handing his phone to a bystander. -…
How Linguistic Background Helps Nigina Alifbekova Build an International Career
- Nigina Alifbekova leverages her fluency in four languages to build an international career spanning Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, the USA, China, and the Arctic. - She believes different languages activat…
Exhibition of Tajik Artists Opens in Minsk Amidst Cultural Days
- An exhibition of contemporary Tajik artists opened at the National Library of Belarus in Minsk as part of the Days of Culture of Tajikistan. - The exhibition features 38 paintings by recognized mast…
Russian President Meets With Top Iranian Diplomat
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg to discuss regional and bilateral issues. - Putin expressed Russia's commitment to facilitating pe…
Putin Dismisses Head of Russian Agency Rossotrudnichestvo, Appoints Igor Chaika
- Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed Yevgeny Primakov as head of Rossotrudnichestvo. - Igor Chaika, son of former Prosecutor-General Yuri Chaika, was appointed to the position. - Rossotrudnich…
Tajikistan's Startup Scene: Challenges and Opportunities Explained
- Farrukh Umarov, co-founder of Ilmkhona, discussed the challenges and opportunities for startups in Tajikistan. - Key success factors for startups include a strong, motivated team, a unique solution …
Russia Tightens Child Benefit Rules for New Citizens, Mandates Five-Year Residency
- Russia has tightened rules for child benefit eligibility for new citizens, requiring five years of permanent residence. - These new regulations, effective April 1, 2027, aim to prevent obtaining cit…
Asia-Plus Pioneer Recalls 'Enthusiasm, Responsibility, and Discipline' Amidst Early Challenges
- Lidiya Isamova, a former editor at Asia-Plus, reflects on the challenging early days of the news outlet in Tajikistan. - She recalls facing difficult working conditions, including cold offices and o…
Journalists in Tajikistan react to proposal for president to support media
- A proposal has been sent to Tajikistan's President Rahmon suggesting measures to support media workers and strengthen information security. - The proposals include creating a Presidential Fund for M…
Sanctions lifted: Dushanbe City Bank resumes international operations
- Dushanbe City Bank has been removed from the EU sanctions list, allowing it to resume international operations. - Restrictions imposed in November 2025 have been fully lifted as of April 23, 2026. -…
President of Tajikistan Launches Repaired Hydro Unit at Nurek HPP
- Tajik President Emomali Rahmon launched the 7th hydropower unit at the Nurek HPP after its repair, which began in October 2024. - The refurbishment, involving international partners like ANDRITZ Hyd…
Dushanbe Student Awarded by Police for Saving Girl from Suicide Attempt
- A 10th-grade student in Dushanbe received an award from the police for saving a young girl from a suicide attempt. - The student, Rahmatullo Mardiktoev, bravely intervened when he saw the girl attem…
Trump Rules Out Nuclear Strike on Iran, Cites Conventional Strength
- U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed the idea of using nuclear weapons against Iran, stating the country's military is already weakened by conventional means. - Trump called a question about a nucl…
Iran announces first revenues from Strait of Hormuz transit fees
- Iran has announced the collection of its first revenues from transit fees imposed on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. - The Deputy Speaker of the Iranian Parliament stated that the strait…
Tajikistan Secures €10 Million Loan for Oncology Center Modernization
- Tajikistan secured a €10 million concessional loan from Austria's Export-Import Bank for the modernization of its Republican Oncological Scientific Center. - The funds will be used to acquire modern…
Tajik Farmers Forced to Sow Cotton Despite Economic Unfeasibility
- Tajikistan has begun its 2026 cotton sowing campaign, with farmers mandated to plant 70% of their land with cotton by local authorities. - Despite government claims of free crop choice, local offici…
Tajikistan's Economy Grew by 8% in the First Quarter of 2026
- Tajikistan's economy grew by 8% in the first quarter of 2026, reaching 35.9 billion somoni. - Growth was primarily driven by the agriculture, industry, and construction sectors, with services and ma…
Trump Extends Ceasefire With Iran Indefinitely
- U.S. President Donald Trump announced an indefinite extension of the ceasefire with Iran, originally set to expire April 22. - The extension is linked to disagreements within Iranian leadership and …
Emomali Rahmon Flies to Astana for Regional Ecological Summit
- Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon is visiting Astana, Kazakhstan, for a working visit. - He will attend the Regional Ecological Summit (RES) 2026 and a meeting of the Council of Heads of State F…
Tajikistan Simplifies Peasant Farm Registration via Mobile App
- Tajikistan has simplified the registration process for peasant farms (dehqon farms) through a new mobile application called "Andozi Man." - Farmers can now register their farms online via the app, e…
Over 3,400 Tajik citizens went to the war in Ukraine from Russia — I Want to Live project
- A Ukrainian state project, 'I Want to Live,' reports that 3,407 Tajik citizens have been sent to fight in Ukraine under contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense. - This figure is part of a larg…
Uzbekistan Declares Karakalpakstan Special Mining Zone with Tax Holidays
- Uzbekistan has declared Karakalpakstan a special mining zone called Besqala Mining Valley. - Residents will receive tax exemptions until January 1, 2035, and can use renewable energy sources for cry…
Amonatbonk Extends Bank Card Re-registration Deadline to End of June
- Amonatbonk, Tajikistan's State Savings Bank, has extended the deadline for re-registering its bank cards until the end of June. - The re-registration process, initiated in January, aims to enhance f…
Dushanbe Student Saves Girl Who Jumped into River
- An 11th-grade student in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, bravely rescued a girl who jumped into the Dushanbinka River in an apparent suicide attempt. - Rahmatullo Mardiktoyev witnessed the incident and immedi…
"Amorat Inshoot": Dushanbe's New Premium Residential Complex Offers Lifestyle and Investment
- "Amorat Inshoot" is a new premium residential complex being developed in a promising area of Dushanbe, Tajikistan. - The complex emphasizes modern architecture, natural light, and resident comfort, …
Tajikistan and Japan Agree on Bridge Reconstruction Project
- Tajikistan and Japan have agreed to reconstruct a key road bridge near Vahdat, aimed at improving traffic flow and infrastructure. - The project, supported by Japan's JICA, involves updating the wor…
Tajikistan's Judo Team Achieves Historic Second Place at Asian Championship
- Tajikistan's national judo team secured second place overall at the Asian Championship in Ordos, China, winning five medals. - The team achieved its best-ever result with two gold, two silver, and o…
Eight Children Killed in Shreveport Mass Shooting; Attacker Fatally Shot by Police
- A mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, on Sunday, April 19, resulted in the deaths of eight children and injuries to two other individuals. - The perpetrator, who remains unnamed, opened fire in …
Tajikistan Discusses Economic Reforms and Migration Issues in Washington Meetings
- Tajikistan's Finance Minister and National Bank Governor met with IMF and World Bank officials in Washington to discuss economic reforms. - The officials highlighted Tajikistan's progress in public …
Tajik border guards neutralize drug smugglers in clash with Afghan nationals
- Tajik border guards thwarted a large-scale drug smuggling attempt, neutralizing two smugglers during a firefight. - The incident occurred on April 17, 2026, on the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border, whe…
Russian border guards gain right to check personal electronic devices
- Russian border guards are now authorized to inspect personal electronic devices of individuals crossing the border. - Refusal to unlock devices for inspection can result in fines or administrative a…
Shohin Airlines in Final Talks with Airbus for Four A320neo Aircraft
- Shohin Airlines, a private Tajik airline, is in the final stages of negotiations with Airbus to acquire four A320neo family aircraft. - The potential deal follows a Memorandum of Understanding signe…
Digital Transformation of Tajikistan: From Online Services to a New Economy
- Tajikistan is prioritizing digitalization to enhance public services and foster economic growth, aligning with its "Period of Digital Economy and Innovation (2025–2030)." - National e-government pla…
Trump announces 10-day Israel-Lebanon ceasefire; Beirut reports violations
- U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and the Hezbollah group, effective April 16-17, inviting leaders to the White House. - Despite the announced pause, Israeli Pr…
OSCE congratulates Asia-Plus on 30th anniversary, lauding media contribution
- The OSCE Program Office in Dushanbe congratulated the media group "Asia-Plus" on its 30th anniversary. - The OSCE acknowledged Asia-Plus's significant contribution to Tajikistan's media landscape, p…
India and Tajikistan Deepen Strategic Partnership at Fifth Foreign Office Consultations
- India and Tajikistan reaffirmed their strategic partnership during the fifth round of Foreign Office Consultations in Dushanbe. - Discussions covered political, defense, economic, cultural, and educ…
Tajikistan explains benefits of organized labor migration program for Russia
- Tajikistan's Representation in Russia has outlined a state program designed to facilitate organized labor migration to Russia for Tajik citizens. - The program simplifies the job search, application…
How the Energy Industry Began in Tajikistan 100 Years Ago
- Tajikistan's energy industry began 100 years ago with the commissioning of its first diesel power station in Dushanbe. - The country subsequently developed its hydropower resources, constructing num…
Tajikistan and Belarus Launch Joint Lab for Radiation Monitoring and Nuclear Safety
- Tajikistan and Belarus will establish a joint laboratory focused on radiation monitoring, nuclear safety, and the study of technogenic impacts on the geological environment. - The laboratory will co…
Former Press Secretary of Emomali Rahmon Sent a Letter to the President Requesting Support for Media Workers
- A former press secretary to Tajikistan's president has proposed measures to strengthen media and support journalists. - Proposals include creating a presidential fund, increasing salaries, and offer…
Trump Announces Possible Resumption of U.S.-Iran Talks Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions
- President Donald Trump indicated that direct consultations with Iran could resume within two days. - This potential resumption follows Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to mediate after unproductive tal…
Tajik President Approves Repatriation of 200 Women from Russian Prisons
- Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon has agreed to repatriate 200 Tajik women serving sentences in Russian prisons. - The decision follows a request from Russia's Human Rights Commissioner, Tatyana…
Kazakhstan urged to stop journalist persecution amid rights group appeal
- Six international human rights organizations and press freedom associations urged Kazakhstan's President Tokayev to stop the persecution of independent media. - They highlighted the use of Article 2…