Tajikistan's government has reportedly intensified its campaign against the operations of a charitable organization funded by the Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the country's Ismaili minority. On July 5, Eurasianet reported that the most recent development in this campaign is the revocation of the license of the Aga Khan Lycée in Khorog, the capital of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO). The Aga Khan Foundation confirmed that June 30 marked the last day of operation for the secondary school under its authority.
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the umbrella organization under which the foundation operates, has been providing assistance to Tajikistan in education and healthcare since the country gained independence. One of its notable achievements has been the construction of the University of Central Asia in Khorog, where education is conducted in English.
A telegram channel covering events in the Pamirs, reported that the government has nationalized multiple educational initiatives run by the Aga Khan Education Service. Additionally, reports indicate that the upmarket Serena Hotel in Khorog, the premises of the First Microfinance Bank, and the Mountain Societies Development Support Program (MSDSP) have also been confiscated. Furthermore, the Prosecutor's Office in the GBAO has apparently applied to nationalize the Aga Khan Medical Center in Khorog.
As a result of these developments, approximately 300 jobs have been lost for local residents in Khorog, where unemployment is already a significant issue. The pressure from the government has extended beyond nationalization. The Ismaili Centers in Khorog and the capital, Dushanbe, have been prohibited from hosting events aimed at promoting religious literacy.
The Aga Khan Development Network has been working towards an economically dynamic, politically stable, intellectually vibrant, and culturally tolerant Tajikistan. Its various agencies collaborate to bring together the government, private sector, and civil society, establish institutions, and carry out programs addressing diverse needs, such as banking, e-learning, and avalanche prevention. The AKDN operates in all regions of the country, employing over 3,500 individuals in healthcare, education, business, finance, and cultural activities.
The reasons behind the government's intensified campaign and nationalization efforts against the Aga Khan-funded operations remain unclear. The actions have raised concerns about the future of education, healthcare, and other vital services provided by the AKDN in Tajikistan.
Comments (0)