The state border, along with national values, language, history, culture, and other sacred symbols of the nation, is one of the most critical elements of a country’s sovereignty and independence.

Thus, one of the most pressing issues facing our state at the dawn of independence was the establishment of border structures.

However, during that time, our country found itself in the midst of severe political confrontations and was later engulfed in the flames of civil war.

In this regard, it is worth noting that one of the reasons for the onset of the civil war was the insufficient protection of the state border.

To quickly establish border protection, a pivotal decision was made during the historic 16th session of the Supreme Council in November 1992. A special border brigade was created under the State Committee for National Security, followed shortly thereafter by the establishment of the Border Protection Department within the same committee by a decision of the Presidium of the Supreme Council.

Subsequently, to prevent the crossing of the state border by radical and extremist groups, as well as the smuggling of weapons and drugs, the need arose to establish the Border Forces within the country’s security structures. On May 28, 1994, this date was officially declared Border Guards Day.

The Border Forces, like other branches of the Armed Forces, were established during an extremely difficult and tense period in our nation’s history—when the civil war was still ongoing.

Despite numerous economic and financial challenges facing the country, particularly in the early years of the Border Forces formation, the Government took all necessary measures to develop infrastructure and strengthen the material and technical base of the border structures.

Over time, the Border Forces have evolved into a modern military structure and a reliable safeguard of the nation’s borders, representing one of the significant achievements of Tajikistan’s independence.

Key Role in National Security

From their inception, the Border Forces have played a crucial role in defending the independence and freedom of the Motherland, ensuring the safety of the state and society, and maintaining peace for the people. They have rendered historic service during the most challenging times, protecting the state borders and preventing the infiltration of organized armed criminal groups, weapons, and drugs.

Challenges of the Tajik Border

The state border of Tajikistan, particularly along the Afghan frontier, is among the most challenging in terms of geography. A significant portion of it traverses remote mountainous regions, presenting unique difficulties for protection and monitoring.

Recognizing these challenges, the Government of Tajikistan has implemented necessary measures during the independence period to ensure the reliable protection of the state border. These efforts have included the establishment of border detachments, command posts, and checkpoints, as well as the creation of educational institutions for border guard training.

Strengthening Border Protection

To bolster security at vulnerable sections of the state border, additional border posts have been established in collaboration with other governmental structures and authorities.

Moreover, significant efforts have been made to improve the conditions for officers and soldiers of the Border Forces. Construction of new border facilities has been initiated, providing modern living and service conditions for over 4,000 military personnel. These facilities include amenities for high-quality service, training, housing, technical maintenance, and other essential modern capabilities.

Modernization of Equipment and Infrastructure

Various equipment and machinery have been procured to meet the needs of personnel and military operations in mountainous conditions, and they have been distributed to the Border Forces. In addition, a new road and power line have been constructed in the southern border zone.

Focus on Professional Training

The Government places top priority on preparing highly qualified specialists, including for border protection structures. Over the past decade, 1,200 young individuals have graduated from the Higher Border Institute of the State Security Committee of Tajikistan, while 600 have completed training in foreign institutions. Today, these graduates serve in the Border Forces, contributing to the protection of the nation’s sovereignty and security.

Currently, 500 students are enrolled at the Higher Border Institute of the State Security Committee of Tajikistan, while over 300 of our young citizens, future border guard specialists, are studying at foreign institutions of the Border Forces.

In this regard, I would like to emphasize that the leadership of the Border Forces, particularly the officers and educators at the Higher Border Institute, the “Poytakht” Training Center, and other educational institutions of the Border Forces, must primarily focus on enhancing their own knowledge and professionalism. They should instill in students a spirit of dedication, patriotism, national pride, and loyalty to the people and homeland, while also paying special attention to the in-depth study of foreign languages.

Sacrifice and Remembrance

Over nearly three decades of the Border Forces existence, 150 servicemen have given their lives in the line of duty while protecting the borders of the Motherland, restoring constitutional order, ensuring peace and stability in the country, and fighting terrorism and the smuggling of weapons and drugs.

The people of Tajikistan and the Government will always honor their names, courage, and self-sacrifice.

In recognition of the loyal service of Border Forces personnel, hundreds of officers and soldiers have been awarded state honors and high military ranks by the country’s leadership. Additionally, housing has been provided to improve the social conditions of the families of fallen and wounded border guards.

The process of improving the living and service conditions of border guards will continue with the support of the Government.

Responding to Regional and Global Challenges

The complex and unpredictable regional and global situation compels us to take additional measures to protect the borders and ensure the security of society and the state.

The intensified activities of terrorist and extremist groups, as well as the emergence of new transnational criminal organizations, demand that every soldier and officer remain professionally vigilant and politically astute. They must carry out their duties with a strong sense of patriotism and at the highest standard.

Duties of Border Forces

You, the officers and soldiers of the Border Forces, who stand at the forefront of defending national interests, safeguarding state borders, and ensuring peace and stability for the country’s citizens, must always remember that adherence to military regulations and strict discipline are the foundation of your daily activities.

Moreover, you should remain alert and attentive, continuously improve your professionalism, knowledge, and skills, love your homeland and every inch of its land, and remain loyal to the military oath, the state, and the people of Tajikistan.

Never forget that the state border is one of the sacred national values, and its defense is a symbol of honor, dignity, and pride for every true patriot of the Motherland.

I reiterate that the protection of every section of Tajikistan’s sacred land is the duty and responsibility of every serviceman of the Border Forces—from generals to officers and soldiers—and it is the greatest honor and pride.