In preparation for the upcoming Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Heads of State Summit, Tajikistan's Dushanbe City Administration and Police Department have announced that several major markets and shopping centers in the capital will be closed for three days - October 8, 9, and 10.
The closures are part of a broader security and logistics plan to ensure the safe and smooth hosting of the high-level event, which will bring together leaders from across the CIS region, The Caspian Post informs via Tajik media.
11 Markets and Malls to Temporarily Shut Down
According to a directive signed by Deputy Mayor Abdurahmon Abdurahmonzoda, a total of 11 commercial locations will be closed during the summit:
Korvon Market
Korvon Plus Market
Khavoron Market
Moshinasaroy Market (Motor Depot 2927)
Kushoniyon Market
Farovon Market
Balkh Market
Panjshir Shopping Center
Gandzhina Shopping Center
Fayoz-2015 Shopping Center (Korvon area)
Varzob TJ Shopping Center
Kavsar Shopping Center
In addition, sanitation days have been scheduled for Sakhovat Market on October 11 and Mehrgon Market on October 13.
Police Outline Security Measures
The Dushanbe Police Department has clarified that five of these locations - Korvon and Kushoniyon markets, as well as Panjshir, Gandzhina, and Sadbarg shopping centers - fall under its direct closure directive. The shutdowns are being implemented to enhance security, ease traffic congestion, and ensure public order as high-level foreign delegations arrive in the city.
All temporarily closed locations will also be designated as sanitation zones, and facility managers are required to strictly follow fire safety regulations.
Traffic Restrictions Still Unclear
As of now, authorities have not released detailed information on which streets or districts may face traffic or pedestrian restrictions. A police officer said that final decisions regarding access limitations will be announced in the coming days.
Public Urged to Prepare
A message from the Department of Economic Development, Trade, and Monitoring, shared on social media, advised residents to stock up on essential goods ahead of the three-day closures. However, the department later clarified that the notice was not officially issued by them.
Business Guidelines for Summit Period
To maintain a clean and presentable city during the summit, local businesses - including hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and markets - have been instructed to:
Ensure cleanliness
Adhere to a unified dress code
Comply with fire safety standards
These measures are part of the city’s wider effort to present a polished image for visiting delegations and media.
CIS Summit and Putin’s Visit
The CIS Heads of State Summit is scheduled for October 10, with the participation of leaders from CIS member countries. One day prior, on October 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to arrive in Dushanbe for an official state visit. A separate meeting between Central Asian presidents and Russia is also on the agenda.
Preparations for the event began in late September, including extensive beautification efforts across the city. Over 2 million seasonal flowers have been planted along 11 major streets and boulevards in Dushanbe, as part of the city’s visual preparations.
