DUSHANBE, 09.12.2025 (NIAT Khovar) – History bears witness that, following the attainment of national independence, during the period of awakening and the initial steps of its statehood, the newly independent Republic of Tajikistan and its proud people were confronted with a grave and arduous test.

It is commonly acknowledged that, in the pivotal moments of every nation, specific individuals arise who take on the mantle of responsibility for the nation’s future, protect their homeland and populace from disintegration and ruin, and whose accomplishments are recorded in illustrious terms within the annals of the state’s history.

Although the reality may be harsh, historical events and destiny, shaped by a multitude of internal and external influences, led our nation into a civil war accompanied by various political, spiritual, economic, and social upheavals.

In light of these circumstances, the salvation of the nation and the maintenance of its State Independence necessitated a sagacious leader, an exceptional statesman, and a patriotic, knowledgeable figure — one whose existence was as indispensable as air and water.

At the 16th Session of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Tajikistan, the mantle of state leadership and the mission of guiding the nation through its grave difficulties were entrusted to the young leader Emomali Rahmon, then forty years of age.

The subsequent course of the country’s political development, shaped by the events of its time, has demonstrated that the wise Leader, the esteemed
Emomali Rahmon, fulfilled this responsibility with courage and dedication in accordance with the present and future interests of the people. He skillfully withstood this historic test and, within a short period, transformed Tajikistan into a homeland of peace and national unity.

Human history has proven that one of the fundamental principles of building a democratic and law-based society is political pluralism.

Based on the standards of the Constitution of the Republic of Tajikistan, national legislation, and the requirements of a democratic society, political organizations and movements unite like-minded individuals who have the right to establish a political party. The state guarantees favorable conditions for them to carry out their activities.

At those critical moments in history, our society needed to establish a fundamentally new political organization that would unite the dispersed Tajik people, inspire them with hope and confidence for constructive work, renewal, and reforms, and play a leading role in implementing the constructive goals of the country’s leadership and government.

It should be noted that the main foundation for the establishment of the party stems from the historic and destiny-shaping 16th Session of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Tajikistan, a time when the country was in a very difficult situation.

On the initiative and by the decision of the Leader of the Nation, the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan was established to shape the political will of citizens, foster political culture, cultivate the people’s self-awareness and consciousness, and unite the various segments of society.

The Preparatory Committee of the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan (initially named the People’s Party of Tajikistan during its early formation) began its work on December 6, 1993, and the first Congress of the party was held on December 10, 1994. At this Congress, delegates examined the political and social foundations of the party’s formation. They also defined the party’s charter, program, and its tactical and strategic objectives.

The People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan was officially registered by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Tajikistan on December 15, 1994.

The People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan, which began its activities during a complex political period for the newly independent country, from its earliest days focused on ensuring the stability and sustainability of peace, political stability, and nationwide unity in sovereign Tajikistan. Its main goal was defined as uniting the progressive and capable forces to build a democratic, law-based, secular state; a socially and economically advanced society; ensuring stability and cohesion; preserving the integrity of the homeland; and securing a bright and prosperous future for the country.

For 31 years, the Party has creatively implemented the progressive ideas of society, protecting the interests of the people regardless of social status, nationality, or public position; supporting and developing the best national, historical, and cultural traditions and values; and firmly condemning all negative phenomena, including violence, extremism, and political or religious terrorism. The Party considers self-awareness and patriotism as the foundation of its activities.

It is a source of pride and honor that under the leadership and guidance of the esteemed Leader of the Nation, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, and through his noble initiatives and targeted programs aimed at strengthening national unity, preserving and promoting the achievements of state independence, supporting the interests of all segments of society, and enhancing the security, stability, and well-being of the people, the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan has gained nationwide recognition and influence, being acknowledged as a leading party in the modern society of the country. In light of these achievements, the Party is called “People’s” because it has a single goal: to serve the people of Tajikistan and devote all efforts to the practical implementation of constructive and beneficial objectives.

This is why the political and social ideas of the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan are supported by the majority of the country’s people, who, based on strong will and trust, are continuously united around the Party and its wise Leader.

It is the care and constant support of the Leader of the Nation extended to all segments of society that today every self-aware and purposeful individual, with a warm heart and a bright future, faithfully and enthusiastically performs their duties in various state and public positions across the country and joins the membership of the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan.

To date, the membership of the Party has reached over 600,000 people, of whom 53 percent are women and nearly 40 percent are young people. Additionally, the number of primary Party organizations has reached 7,210, confirming the statements mentioned above.

The President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Leader of the Nation, and esteemed Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, stated during his speech at the 15th Party Congress on December 18, 2024:“Our Party, as an integral part of the country’s political system, through the consistent implementation of its programmatic goals and relying on the responsibility and intellectual strength of its members, has become a factor strengthening the processes of development and constructive work in the society of independent Tajikistan”.

Indeed, when we turn the pages of history reflecting on the activities and over 30 years of political experience of the Party, it becomes clear that the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan has successfully passed the tests of history and achieved significant results in the development of legal awareness and political culture among the people.

Moreover, a political party at all times and in every country has the primary role of participating in the political life of society by shaping the political will of citizens and, through this, exercising power via its representatives.

Participation in important political campaigns has defined the position and influence of the Party.

Since its establishment, seven parliamentary elections (1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020, and 2025) and four presidential elections (1999, 2006, 2013, and 2020) have been held in Tajikistan.

In these important political campaigns, the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan gained a greater advantage, and the candidates nominated by the Party received the majority of the people’s votes.

Currently, 42 members, or 67 percent, of the Deputies of the Majlisi Namoyandagon of the Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan (seventh convocation) are members of the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan. Through their effective work in drafting and improving national legislation, which aligns with economic, social, political, and cultural reforms, they make a valuable contribution.

The trust earned by the members of parliament proves that the enlightened and civilized nation understands that the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan, under the leadership of its esteemed Chairman, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, consistently strives to ensure the sustainable and orderly development of the country. This is aimed at providing citizens with a decent standard and quality of living, creating equal opportunities for the utilization of human potential based on equality, justice, and respect for human dignity.

Additionally, the PDPT faction operates successfully in the Majlisi Namoyandagon.

The extensive activities of the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan over more than three decades testify that the Party has played a significant role in the process of state independence, the consolidation of the sovereignty of the Republic of Tajikistan, and the rising prestige of the newly independent country on the world stage. This role is inseparably linked to the continuous efforts and a wise, effective policy of the Party’s esteemed Chairman, Leader of the Nation, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon.

Globally, any political party that wins the majority of the people’s votes has its program adopted as the foundational program of the Government.

At this historical stage, to implement the goals of the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan and the objectives of the Government, aligned under the leadership of the Leader of the Nation, necessary and timely measures have gradually been put into action in the country through the adoption and implementation of laws, national strategies, and programs.

With pride and honor, it can be stated that all the achievements of Tajikistan are the result of the implementation of the comprehensive programs of the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan.

As a result of the measures taken over the past two decades, the living standards of the people in the country have gradually improved, and the poverty rate has decreased from 83 percent in 1999 to 20 percent in 2024.

Simultaneously, due to the consistent implementation of state strategies and programs, in just 25 years of independence, the country achieved the following growth: the gross domestic product increased from 1.8 billion somoni to 153.4 billion somoni, or 85 times; GDP per capita rose from 289 somoni to 14,800 somoni, or 51 times; cash income of the population grew from 1 billion somoni to 147 billion somoni, or 147 times; industrial output increased from 1.4 billion somoni to 53.8 billion somoni, or 38 times; and exports rose from 784 million dollars to 1,947 million dollars, or 2.5 times.

During this period, more than 2,550 km of roads and over 2,000 megawatts of new energy capacity were built and commissioned, including 2 units of the Rogun hydroelectric power station; 3,670 new educational institutions; 262 preschool institutions; 35 institutions of higher professional education; 3,076 new medical institutions; 18 theaters; 50 palaces of culture; 126 libraries; 61 parks of culture and recreation; and 20 museums.

Thanks to the purposeful and far-sighted policy of the Leader of the Nation, Tajikistan has established cooperation with international partners, including the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Organization for Economic Cooperation, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and other multilateral structures, acting as an active member, initiator, and vanguard of dozens of international initiatives.

It is not an overstatement to assert that the remarkable accomplishments of the industrious, cohesive, and distinguished Tajik nation across various socio-economic domains in contemporary times stem from a humane, forward-thinking, and objective policy framework, alongside the establishment of a modern political institution. This political institution has emerged through the intellectual contributions and initiatives of the esteemed Leader of the Nation, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, and has been subject to ongoing development and enhancement amidst challenging historical and political circumstances; it currently operates at a level of unparalleled political engagement.

This great school is the political school of the Leader of the Nation, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon. It has played a pivotal role as a key establishment in the attainment of Tajikistan’s state independence and its subsequent development and prosperity.

Advancing and further refining this unique political school, participating as a member, and drawing lessons and exemplary guidance from the dedicated and steadfast leadership of the esteemed Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan, the Nation’s Leader, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, represents not only an honor and source of pride for every active and patriotic party member but also entails profound human and civic responsibility. This responsibility, in its fullest sense, embodies a commitment to the highest values of patriotism, unwavering loyalty to the state and nation, and devoted service to the people. Indeed, it is through adherence to the great political school of the Leader of the Nation that the foundations of political culture, state-building consciousness, and the social accountability of every individual in society are cultivated.

The political school of the Leader of the Nation is not merely a theoretical framework but a living embodiment of statecraft, wherein practical instruction in leadership, governance of political life, the preservation of stability and national unity, and the sustainable development of society is systematically realized. This school cultivates individuals whose primary duty is service to the people, rather than the pursuit of personal gain. Every member of the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan, by joining this spiritual and political school, undertakes the responsibility of shaping their worldview on the principles of justice, responsibility, sincerity, and respect for the law and national values.

Since its establishment, the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan has evolved into a genuine school for cultivating qualified and dedicated personnel. Owing to its direct alignment with the policies of the Leader of the Nation and the strategic development goals of the country, hundreds of specialists and leaders across various fields have been trained, who today serve effectively in public administration, social institutions, and the economic sector. Learning from the leadership experience of the Leader of the Nation involves, above all, the ability to withstand difficulties, remain steadfast in the face of threats, and make responsible decisions at critical and decisive moments.

The fundamental lesson that every party member learns from this school is the culture of service to the people. Throughout his political and state activities, the Leader of the Nation has demonstrated that leadership is inseparably linked with great responsibility. Fulfilling this responsibility entails attentive responsiveness to the needs and concerns of citizens, support for vulnerable groups, the strengthening of social capacities, and the establishment of foundations for the comprehensive development of every resident of the country. The People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan operates precisely in this spirit, serving as a platform for implementing the social policies of the Leader of the Nation.

The continuation and further development of this political school in the context of contemporary societal progress has become increasingly significant. Today’s world faces numerous challenges, including severe economic fluctuations, security threats, the rise of extremism, and instability in political culture. In such conditions, the cultivation of loyal and patriotic personnel grounded in national values is essential for ensuring political stability and social unity. Active members of the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan are called upon to act as moral guardians of statehood, promoters of a culture of tolerance, and advocates for the national interests of society.

Learning from the activities of the Leader of the Nation is of particular importance for political self-awareness. This self-awareness encompasses not only the understanding of history and culture but also an appreciation of Tajikistan’s place in the global system. Under the leadership of the Leader of the Nation, Tajikistan has been transformed from a war-torn country into a stable and reliable state, recognized today regionally and internationally as a proponent of peace, a pioneer in water and climate dialogue, and a constructive voice on issues of security and sustainable development. Through the study of this experience, party members come to understand how farsighted and prudent policy can harmonize national interests with universal human values.

Moreover, the political school of the Leader of the Nation shapes a new model of relations between society and the state. This model is founded on mutual understanding, open dialogue with the people, attentiveness to the voice of society, and a shared sense of responsibility for the country’s destiny. Within such a system, the party serves as a bridge between society and the state, acting both as a channel for conveying public concerns and as an implementer of social and economic programs. Party members must be able to engage directly with the people, communicate citizens’ ideas to the relevant authorities, and make a tangible contribution to addressing social challenges.

Ultimately, the continuation of this political school entails the continuous enhancement of the political and ethical awareness of the members of the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan. Each party member is not only a representative of a political organization but also a moral embodiment of statehood within society. Their behavior, speech, and interactions with the people must exemplify a high standard of political culture, respect for the law, and loyalty to the homeland. Only in this way can the party fulfill its great mission — serving the interests of the people of Tajikistan and strengthening the foundations of independence and stability — in a worthy and effective manner.

Thus, learning from the political school of the Leader of the Nation and continuing its esteemed traditions serves not only as a guide for action but also as a way of life for every true member of the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan. This path, grounded in moral responsibility, dedicated labor, and faith in a bright future, compels each party member, alongside the honor of membership in this leading political organization, to consistently serve the progress of the beloved homeland and the well-being of its people with sincerity.

Mavsuma Muini,
Deputy Chairman of the Majlisi Namoyandagon of the Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan,
Member of the Central Executive Committee of the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan,
Candidate of Historical Sciences