On 4 September, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Leader of the Nation, Honorable Emomali Rahmon, held a meeting in Bokhtar with the leaders and activists of Khatlon Province.

At the outset, the Leader of the Nation, Emomali Rahmon, sincerely congratulated all hardworking and patriotic residents of Khatlon Province and those present on the occasion of the sacred and auspicious national celebration — the 35th anniversary of the independence and freedom of Tajikistan.

It was emphasized that Khatlon Province holds a special place in the history of Tajik statehood. This ancient land has historically been one of the important centres of Tajik culture and civilization, and continues today to make a significant contribution to the country’s economic, social, cultural and spiritual development.

It was noted that “it is a source of pride for all of us that, in July 2025, eleven historical and cultural sites located within the territory of the province, under the name ‘Ancient Khuttal’, were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.”

According to the President, Khatlon Province, as the largest province of the country, currently plays a major role in the development of entrepreneurship, industrialization, the energy sector, food security, and other areas of the national economy.

His Excellency Emomali Rahmon stated that, during the period of independence, more than 50 billion somoni from the State budget had been allocated for the socio-economic development of the province. During this period, more than 100 State investment projects, with a total value of 16 billion somoni, had been implemented in the province, while dozens of other projects were currently under implementation.

“Only in preparation for the 35th anniversary of State independence, 8,360 facilities of various purposes have been constructed and commissioned in the cities and districts of Khatlon Province, significantly exceeding the planned target,” — stated the Leader of the Nation, Emomali Rahmon.

The President of the country described the results achieved as the outcome of the continued care and support provided by the Government, the initiative of patriotic entrepreneurs and the dedicated work of the province’s residents.

His Excellency Emomali Rahmon emphasized that patriotic entrepreneurs of the province are currently making a significant contribution to the construction of production workshops and enterprises, social institutions, service centres, roads, bridges, and other important facilities, and are playing an important role in implementing the State’s constructive development objectives.

It was noted that Khatlon Province makes a significant contribution to the implementation of the key directions of the economic policy of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, including the accelerated industrialization of the country, ensuring food security, and achieving energy independence.

It was emphasized that, during the period of the country’s independence, the number of industrial enterprises in the province had increased from 75 to more than 900, and that hundreds of types of products are currently manufactured there in accordance with international standards.

In the view of the Leader of the Nation, Emomali Rahmon, Khatlon Province is currently not only one of the country’s principal economic centres, but also an important pillar of the national energy sector. Of Tajikistan’s total energy capacity, amounting to 6,491 megawatts, more than 75 per cent is located within the territory of Khatlon Province.

“It was precisely during the period of independence that a number of important energy facilities were constructed and commissioned in the province, including the Sangtuda-1 and Sangtuda-2 hydropower plants, the Lolazor–Khatlon and Tajikistan–Afghanistan power transmission lines, modern electricity substations and dozens of other energy facilities,” — stated President Emomali Rahmon.

It was stated that Khatlon Province, as the principal agricultural region of Tajikistan, plays a decisive role in ensuring the country’s food security. Today, more than 53 per cent of the country’s total agricultural output comes from Khatlon Province, which holds a leading position in the production of cotton, cereals, vegetables, melons and gourds, fruit and other agricultural products.

In reviewing the state of education, health care and culture in Khatlon Province during the period of independence, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon stated that the Government had established a solid foundation for the development of these sectors.

His Excellency Emomali Rahmon emphasized that, over these years, 17.7 billion somoni had been allocated from the State budget for the development of education in the province, 7.4 billion somoni for health care, and 1 billion somoni for culture.

With regard to ensuring nationwide peace and stability, President Emomali Rahmon highly valued the contribution of the people of Khatlon Province, who suffered the greatest losses and endured the greatest hardships during the imposed civil war.

It was emphasized that the State and the Government of the country have always highly valued the worthy services of the residents of Khatlon Province in safeguarding statehood, restoring constitutional order, and ensuring peace, stability, and national unity.

“I have full confidence in the strong sense of patriotism, honour and dignity, firm will and dedicated work of the residents of Khatlon Province, and I am confident that the proud people of this land will continue to make a valuable contribution to the progress of the State, the strengthening of national unity and the prosperity of our beloved Tajikistan,” — emphasized the Leader of the Nation.

Concluding his remarks, the President of the country, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, called upon all to be grateful for statehood and sovereignty and, through unity, solidarity and constructive work, to strive to achieve the strategic objectives of the State and to further develop and prosper our beloved Tajikistan.

Following the address by the President of the country, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, the meeting continued with a report by the Chairman of Khatlon Province, Davlatali Said, on the results of the province’s socio-economic development.

It was emphasized that, in preparation for the 35th anniversary of Independence, 8,360 facilities had been inaugurated across the province, representing 135 per cent of the planned target. During the current year, 85,000 jobs had been created.

In the province, 801 education facilities with a total capacity of 100,000 student places and 260 health-care facilities had been commissioned. During the first eight months of the current year alone, entrepreneurs had paved 600 kilometres of local roads. It was stated that, following the celebration of Independence, such constructive development activities would continue throughout the province.

The meeting also heard remarks from Madina Saidalizoda, a female student who has won numerous national competitions, and teacher Shahlo Nasrulloyeva, who expressed their gratitude for peace, unity and independence, as well as for the wise and constructive leadership of the country.