INTERNATIONAL — June 26, 2026
Body of Tajikistan's Gorno-Badakhshan Head Found in Panj River
The remains were located about 20 kilometers downstream from the crash site, while searches continue for the wife, three-year-old daughter and assistant.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Afghanistan International — corroborated by Amu TV — 2 min read
The body of Alisher Mirzonabot, head of Tajikistan's Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province, was recovered from the Panj River near the border with Afghanistan.
The remains were found approximately 20 kilometers downstream from the crash site. One report placed the recovery on 5 Saratan.
The official's vehicle entered the river after hitting border barriers. The incident occurred due to excessive speed. His wife, three-year-old daughter, assistant and driver were also in the vehicle.
All five people died. The accident took place on 17 June on the Dushanbe-Khorog highway near Zigar in Darvoz province. The driver's body had been recovered earlier.
Searches continue for the wife, daughter and assistant.
Read the original reporting at Afghanistan International →
Reliability assessment
Two independent sources corroborate the core event (death in vehicle accident and body recovery from Panj River); minor detail variations are normal and do not affect verification of the incident itself.
The source language reads straight.
Across the newsrooms
Where reports agree
- Core event: senior Tajik official died after vehicle entered Panj River; body recovered ~20 km downstream on Friday near Afghan border
- Passengers included wife, young daughter, assistant, and driver, all of whom died
- Official was 45 and led Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province since around November 2021
- Search operations described as difficult due to river conditions; some bodies still missing
Where reports differ
- Specific accident date and location details provided only by Amu TV (17 June, Zigar area, Darvoz province)
- Cause of accident (excessive speed and collision with border facilities) mentioned only by Afghanistan International
Filed by 2 outlets
Afghanistan International
Originating
Reported straight
Reported straight
Amu TV
Reported straight
Reported straight
Filed under
International — Tajikistan, Gorno-Badakhshan, Panj River, traffic accident, Afghanistan border
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