True writers and poets love to write the truth. Injustice in any corner of the world feels to them as if it is happening right in their own home. The stability or victory of justice somewhere lifts their spirits. They rejoice at the success of every good person they meet, and people's problems become their problems, too.

They are patriots. At least, it is so in Uzbekistan. They deeply feel that the flourishing of the Motherland and positive changes are steps taken toward elevating the life of every citizen, and their mood rises. Thank God, these changes are happening every hour and every day. The entire country is in motion. Most importantly, these reforms are not carried out in a primitive way, but based on the world's most advanced technologies. Thanks to the created conditions, investments are flowing in freely. The pace of development has embraced the entire country.

People of the pen are aware of these and many other achievements. They constantly sense the efforts being made to eliminate problems.

Recently, along with a group of creative friends, I was on a trip to a neighboring friendly country. One evening, an impromptu gathering formed naturally, and the conversation became lively. First, we began to compare the host country with Uzbekistan. Simultaneously, we came to the conclusion: "We have moved forward!" We talked about today's Uzbekistan. I happened to mention that I have lived for seventy-six years, but our people have never lived so freely and prosperously. Those present at the gathering unanimously confirmed my words. Yes, it is true! We have never lived like this before!

When did these confessions, which filled our hearts with pride, fill our souls?

After all, the achievements we acknowledge did not appear on their own, did they?

Whose labor, hardship, and tireless effort lie behind them?

Who is infusing enthusiasm and courage into the creative work spreading across all regions of our country?

The answer to these questions is one: behind these global triumphs lies the dedication of one person, yes, of one person – the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev.

Neither more nor less, the unprecedented dedication of this valiant man who wanted to build New Uzbekistan!

I thought a lot about this person. Finally, I came to the decision that it would be unjust not to write about this man.

No, I have no intention of flattering. Why should I flatter? Now that I have reached a certain age and received awards and titles without currying favor with anyone...

What was the condition of the country when these reforms began?

How were people living?

Let me recall what I experienced myself.

I live in a multi-story building. Our apartment would not be heated for winter after winter. One of my children later recalled, "We grew up freezing in this house our whole life."

I retired. They said, "Half of your pension will be paid." What can I say? Very well... A common misfortune shared by many.

A meager salary. Combined with half a pension, we barely make ends meet from month to month.

Not to mention the troubles with plastic payment cards. You go to the store. You ask the price of the necessary goods. "If you pay in cash, it is eighty soms; if you pay with a plastic card, it is one hundred"...

In Denov, right in the middle of the market, a "point" was opened to exchange money on plastic cards for cash. With absolute shamelessness – they deduct one hundred soms and give you eighty soms in hand. The most horrifying thing is that this point was run by people from the organizations supposed to monitor against such occurrences. You don't know who to complain to..

These swindles took place right before the eyes of the entire public. No one could utter a "peep." Fear. The misfortune born of this fear – hesitation to think about tomorrow – constantly weighed on our shoulders like a heavy stone.

I borrowed money. Those who lent in dollars had to be repaid in dollars. You couldn't even go near bank cashiers. The banks were putting dollars on sale and buying them up themselves – they had set up their people – some screeching women...

You go to the market. The gang of "dollar scalpers" is at every step... The price of the dollar was twice as high as the official rate. You take it blindly.

An entrepreneur from Surkhandarya told me that he had delivered his grown grain, but his payment was swallowed up. I mentioned it to a couple of officials. No results came of it. The entrepreneur died from the grief of that humiliation...

The changes in some places did not reach the people's tables. The country was flooded with fraudsters.

The organizations that should have fought against this business formed a state within a state. Violence against people was established.

For example, in Surkhandarya, the National Security Service established some fascist (no other word can describe their deeds) system. They treated people worse than flies. They humiliated them, confiscated their property, subjected them to unprecedented torture, and even killed them. They applied Stalin-era torture methods. And they raised them to even newer "levels."

– They pulled out my nails, – recalls one innocent person who fell into their hands with lament. – It would have been fine if they had pulled them all out at once, but they pull out one every day»...

Even hokims (mayors/governors) were pressured. They, too, grew tired of working in this land. Inevitably, they wrote resignation letters.

People began to lose faith in independence.

A couple of acquaintances began to reproach me, too. "There is the independence you dreamed of"...

Honestly, I lived miserably, too. Let alone publishing what I wrote in newspapers and magazines, they even started erasing my name and surname. What had I done? In a broadcast, I had simply stated a true fact: "Some people are accumulating money through illicit means – when the time comes, they will take their money and flee abroad." Because of this broadcast, numerous creative workers on television were punished and dismissed...

Let's admit it, in the early period of independence, a certain degree of strictness was also necessary to build a country with a new system and to escape poverty. However, it was also obvious to everyone that as the country developed, this strictness should have gradually been replaced by guidelines matching the standards of justice. But that did not happen. Because even the man at the very top lived like a captive in the hands of tricksters. He remained unaware of the events happening locally, and even within his own family. All injustices were kept secret.

No one can deny what I wrote above. To show them in full, volumes of books could be written. I am recalling only a part of what I experienced and the grim events that took place in my birthplace, Surxondaryo.

No one knew the ways to overcome the escalating problems.

However, the Almighty knows! He knew exactly what needs to be done to steer the country toward development.

Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev was elected president of the country, and… suddenly, events resembling miracles began to occur.

The hardships I mentioned above began to find solutions one by one. Plastic payment cards began to work properly, pensions began to be paid in full, banks transitioned to a new working system – if you want, here is the som; if you want the dollar, you are welcome... The beasts in human form in Surxondaryo also received their punishment. But only Shavkat Miromonovich himself knows how much perseverance and courage were required to find these solutions. After all, besides the events I have touched upon, how many other worries were on his shoulders!

I can imagine how difficult it was to put an end to the gang of independence saboteurs who made the people of Surhon weep in despair. After all, they did not drop from the sky – these misguided individuals were supported by high-ranking, powerful patrons in Tashkent who did not care about anyone. The scope of this criminal gang was vast – closely interconnected; they were incurable individuals who had never even dreamed of the sacred concept of the people's interests, considering human life cheaper than straw. First, the head of this gang was cut off. This task was not easy.. Had he been a softer person, he would have compromised with them. But Shavkat Miromonovich did not deem it appropriate to do so. Because the fate of the Motherland and the People was at stake. Shavkat Miromonovich deeply sensed at all times that the future Motherland must not be built by turning a blind eye to such gangs, but by cleansing it of this defective category with pure intentions and noble actions.

This person deeply understands that honest people create the Motherland.

These pests infected with the disease of murder were freed from the nation and country. First the "top" layer, then the bottom layer was eradicated by the roots. These words are easy to say...

In the history of our country, these events might seem like a very small episode to someone, but just imagine how much fortitude and determination it required from our leader to free the people from such disgusting gangs that had mounted their heads!

I remember, once these events were brought to an end, our President visited Surhon and addressed the people, saying, "People of Surkhandarya, you are now free!"

Indeed, Surkhandarya breathed freely.

I am writing only about Surkhandarya, which I know well. And in Uzbekistan, there are twelve regions. I feel that this article would be too narrow to put into writing our President's courageous efforts in solving their problems.

People get used to goodness quickly. They rejoice for a couple of times saying "how good it is!" and then move on as if it has always been like that. In my opinion, it is good that it is so! People are learning to live like human beings! We are getting used to the fact that living decently is not a miracle, but simply a reality we face every day!..

Yet I still rejoice that the process of development is going so rapidly.

Termez, the abode of saints and scholars, for as long as I can remember, was an unattractive, dusty, devoid-of-shade, closed military town. Even entering it was a chore – a military checkpoint was set up, every passenger's passport was thoroughly checked, and woe to you if you were not registered in Surkhandarya!

And after independence, as you know, such checks intensified even more. Now, artificial barriers – police checkpoints – were established between every province. This situation was an unnecessary hassle that hindered our people's free movement across the country. If you forgot your passport, the only way to pass these checkpoints was to find a way and bribe these guards... You had no other choice. In my opinion, these checkpoints were traps set up precisely to create such a situation...

And in Surkhandarya, this situation was so complex that it posed a serious threat to passengers – at the entrance to the province, at the Darband checkpoint, you were searched as if you were going abroad; your luggage was placed on a conveyor belt and inspected using sharp-eyed equipment. As if that wasn't enough, suitcases and bags were forced open and checked... A strip search. In short, there was no escaping without paying a bribe. The same situation was encountered at the entrances to Termez and Sariosiyo.

All these barriers disappeared with a single sweep of Shavkat Miromonovich's hand.

Dusty Termez also suddenly began to transform.

Now, exotic trees cast shade on both sides of this city's streets. All the way, lush green lawns. Flowers are planted with exquisite taste. Recently, coming out of the hotel in a car, I drove all the way to the airport along such a beautiful landscape without a single inch broken. It resembles foreign resort towns. Newly built cozy, handsome residential buildings are also attractive. One of the teachers mentioned to me, "People's housing needs have been fully met, families are free from living crammed two or three to a household." A teacher said this, not an official.

And Termez is growing. Tall buildings are rising. It even became noticeable that additional land is needed so the city can breathe freely and expand without congestion. Shavkat Miromonovich resolved this issue, too – additional land was allocated to the city.

Lest the reader get the impression that only Termez is flourishing in Surkhandarya, let me mention that all districts in the provinces have acquired a new appearance. About five or six years ago, I was heading toward the northern territories of Surhon with a group of artists. My mind drifted for a moment on the way. When I came to my senses and looked, we were passing by an unfamiliar city. Multi-story buildings, neat sidewalks between them, trees, and children's playgrounds flashed past. Where have we arrived? I know every inch of Surkhandarya. Could I be dreaming? After driving a bit further, I realized this is Denov. Yes, Denov, which I have explored and known from top to bottom! Oh God! When and how was this city-within-a-city – this miracle – created? So quickly? I understood – this miracle was created thanks to the courage of our President! Then I imagined – how many districts are there in the country, how many cities, let alone neighborhoods.... Construction work must be going on in all of them! And it is!

What power is driving such widespread construction throughout the country? The answer to this question is clear: Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev!

I rarely attend meetings. I keep myself away from gatherings whose sole purpose is to hold meetings.

However, recently attending two meetings, I did not notice how time flew by. I sat there enjoying it. As a patriot who loves Uzbekistan, I was filled with pride and joy. The talk was about the tomorrow of Surkhandarya, which is a part of our Motherland. Our President spoke about the plans to be implemented in the province up to the thirties.

At the meeting, plans were not just spoken of, but it became known that thorough, large-scale, and precise preparations had been made to implement them. For instance, in this manner: the project design is ready, funding is available (confirmed by the bank head, or stating which investor in the world has agreed), and the organization to execute this plan is also standing by ready. The start date of the work has also been determined in advance. Officials reported once again before the gathering. The number of jobs to be created in each project was also disclosed. Hundreds, thousands...

When each plan was discussed, this procedure was followed. Not a single undertaking was stated as a mere dream. On the contrary, information was conveyed with firm confidence.

And when one end of these plans reached abroad, our ambassadors participating online in the meeting reported that foreign partners were present right then and there, ready to fly over at the slightest signal from Uzbekistan. And the foreign partners are not from just any countries – ranging from China to the Republic of South Africa!

Shavkat Miromonovich forgot nothing. I could clearly sense that the President feels with an inner, subconscious sense what needs to be done today and what must be accomplished tomorrow.

I witnessed that he approaches finding solutions to large and small problems with equal responsibility, and sometimes even engages in impromptu decisions.

Before the meeting, we had talked with Toshtemir pahlavon Turaboyev – a wrestling champion from Boysun – about the boarding school he opened for young wrestlers. Toward the end of the meeting, the President addressed this pahlavon.

– Your boarding school doesn't have a school building, does it?

– No, – said the pahlavon.

– Where do the children go to study?

– To schools in the surrounding villages.

Shavkat Miromonovich searched the hall with his eyes to find the right person:

– Do you have money?

“Yes,” said the “right person,” rising to his feet.

– Can you build a school for this pahlavon's boarding school?

The “right person” agreed wholeheartedly.

– Let it be ready by September first...

Out of delight, I softly let out a “wow.” After all, Shavkat Miromonovich has the worries of thirty-nine million people on his shoulders! There are, oh my, how many schools in the country! And of all things, the President remembers the problem of Toshtemir pahlavon's boarding school!..

I was also given the floor at the gathering, and I called this meeting a “holiday” for the people of Surkhandarya. Because, as I understand it, every single brick laid for the development of the magnificent structure called the Motherland is a holiday. And today, how many bricks were laid!

I will not dwell on the figures mentioned in this meeting regarding how much the country's treasury will grow and how much prosperity will enter people's tables. Because they have been sufficiently covered in the press.

Yet I must share some blessed news.

On the twenty-sixth of April, I was going to Boysun.

Six or seven kilometers before reaching the destination, the road coming from Termez joins the Darband-Denov highway mentioned at the meeting above, the construction of which has been ongoing for several years. We got onto the future highway. A solidly built concrete road. We are speeding along. We only detoured around two unfinished bridges where the framework was raised. Inside, I thought, it would probably be finished in a couple of months.

Four days later, I had to travel this road again to attend the “Boysun Spring” festival. This time, our car sped right over the finished bridges! Yes, over the finished bridges! Only four days later!.. A torrent of joy flooded my spirit again! Impressive! And I gained faith that all the plans announced at the meeting in Termez would be fulfilled on time.

At the end of the gathering, our President emphasized that they will visit every province and the Republic of Karakalpakstan with such plans! Again, a total, rapid movement to build the country's future! Plans that never slacken for a moment and bring prosperity to the people's table. The founder of these plans, Shavkat Miromonovich, is also a person who knows no rest, burning constantly for the people's interests! Angels say “amen” to noble intentions! The Almighty opens the door of mercy!

I believe that in the near future, our country will take its place among the most advanced nations in the world. If there are those who do not share this belief, let them refer to the World Bank's figures on Uzbekistan's growth rate. The Bank forecasts our country's GDP growth rate at 7.7 percent in 2026. According to foreign experts, in ten to twelve years, Uzbekistan's GDP will exceed a trillion dollars! A trillion! These are not numbers plucked from the sky, but figures born from the analysis of exact facts! God bless it!

Forgive me, are we even embarrassing foreign experts? Right after writing the above figures – I just read it: our growth rate is much higher than their estimate – over 8.7 percent!

The great sages of the world ultimately came to a single conclusion about the values that hold humanity together. Alisher Navoi, who himself interfered in relations between people, peoples, and states and went through many turmoils, once penned these lines:

Olam ahli, bilingizkim, ish emas dushmanligʻ,

Yor oʻling bir-biringizgaki, erur yorligʻ ish.

Although everyone probably understands the meaning of this verse, let me explain it: “People of the world, says the poet, know this, hostility is not a good thing. Be friends with one another, only friendship befits a human.”

Shavkat Miromonovich, in my opinion, deeply understood even before being elected to the presidency that “hostility is not a good thing.” He watched with an aching heart the unpleasantness that flared up between blood-related and kin countries in Central Asia. Because the task of the Cabinet of Ministers he led was economic management, he also deeply felt that our development was slowing down due to poor relations with neighbors. Most importantly, he saw with his own eyes that people were also suffering from these conflicts.

Of course, that was the case! For this reason, once Shavkat Miromonovich took the reins of the country's governance, without resting for a moment, he first began to restore the ties of brotherhood and kinship with neighbors. Only this well-intentioned man himself knows how difficult or easy this work was. But the result is blessed – whenever our path takes us to neighboring countries, we too, as citizens of Uzbekistan, are shown respect and honor.

Surkhandarya region borders three countries. For example, during the Soviet period, we didn't even remember whether there was a border between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Because Termez was a closed city, we used to fly to Dushanbe and cross over into Surhon. Some people did their major shopping by going to Dushanbe... But after independence, after some time passed, everyone became their own master and ruler. Crossing the border turned into an unattainable dream!

Just the other day, they told a story of a snippet of life from those headache-filled days that have now become history. When an elderly woman living in Sariosiyo had her sister in Regar pass away, she tried for eight years to visit her sibling's grave, but could not cross the border. The distance between Regar and Sariosiyo is, mind you, a half-hour journey!

Once friendly and fraternal relations were established between the two countries, relatives wept and saw each other after this long separation. Cars began speeding from Dushanbe to Surkhandarya, and three or four friends from Sariosiyo would set off saying, “Let's go take a spin around Dushanbe.” A stone's throw away! You go in the morning and return by evening!

It is hard to imagine Tajikistan's livelihood without our country. Their main roads connecting to other regions, and indeed to the world, pass through our land! Now imagine how joyful the Tajik people, possessing such opportunities, must have been!

Therefore, when Shavkat Miromonovich visited the land of our neighbors, Emomali Rahmon made a very fine, semi-joking remark from the stage: “These people,” he said, pointing to the representatives of the Tajik people filling the hall, “love you more than I do!” Behold, respect! Behold, brotherhood!

Some time after our President's visit, five or six writers gathered and went to Dushanbe. Our purpose was to express condolences to the relatives in Dushanbe on the passing of our friend born in Boysun, People's Writer of Tajikistan Sattor Tursun. Summer days. We were wearing jeans and t-shirts... At the airport, some ten or fifteen Tajik friends dressed in white shirts and black suits welcomed us. The next day, unexpectedly, they held a conference at the Writers' Union of Tajikistan on the ties of our fraternal literatures. Everyone was in that same formal attire again. And outside, it was summer... Brothers, this is what they call the honor of izzat-ikrom (deep respect)! Deep respect shown to Uzbeks!

Friends from our country came to take us to Surkhandarya. On the way, I asked how we should drive, what speed drivers should maintain; how we should behave if the police stopped us? After all, our car license plates are from Uzbekistan! My Tajik friends' answer surprised me!

– Drive at any speed! The police won't stop you! Our President stated from the high podium: “Uzbeks are my guests – no one should touch them”!

How about that?

These words were the absolute pinnacle of respect for the Uzbek people.

The return of this mutual respect and honor between the two nations, and its elevation to an even higher level, was tied to Shavkat Miromonovich's dedication, sincere diplomatic skill, and human qualities.

Recently, a group of creative workers and I set off for the city of Osh to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the birth of the prominent Uzbek poet Shavkat Rahmon. I had been on trips to Osh before. Remembering the border hassles, I was going with a troubled heart. But there was no room for anxiety. We showed our documents certifying Uzbek citizenship and crossed over without any problem. Kyrgyz people are entering our country in the same way.

We praised the individuals who created this ease and re-established trust and true friendship between the two peoples. After all, what hadn't these two neighboring peoples gone through!

The creative evening dedicated to Shavkat Rahmon's jubilee was held at a very high standard. The Secretary-General of the Government of Kyrgyzstan, the head of the influential “Turksoy” organization, and the mayor of Osh participated and gave speeches. The school where Shavkat studied and one of the city's major streets were named after him.

Of course, this great poet deserves such honor. Without a doubt. But still, every minute we felt that the foundation of this sincere respect was Shavkat Miromonovich.

When yours truly was on a trip to Kazakhstan, I encountered the exact same affection from friends. I was awarded not just one, but several honors. Even a literary award from a foreign country was presented to me upon the recommendation of our Kazakh friends. If our relations had proceeded with malice as before, would such a thing have happened?

Everyone now sees that the chief architect of this alliance, tolerance, and affection among the peoples of Central Asia is Shavkat Miromonovich. Foreigners, too, look to Uzbekistan as the driving force leading this region toward development.

I wrote mainly about relations with our traditionally close neighbors. I would like to emphasize that our relations with other countries in this complex world changing every day are also well worth mentioning. For instance, we have established sufficient relations even with Afghanistan, which prefers to live on its own. After all, we have a dream of reaching the oceans through this country!.. Now, right across the bridge over the Amu Darya where one steps onto Uzbek soil, the “Uzbekistan – Afghanistan Border Trade Zone” has been built. Rows of shops, hotels, dining halls... Trade is booming. The zone is overflowing. Our President gave instructions to allocate additional land to this zone, too.

Of course, these neighbors of ours also speak warmly of the leader of Uzbekistan...

Achieving true authority in the world is no easy task. This rank is attained only by political figures who are talented, work tirelessly, possess good judgment, respect the interests of others, and love their country dearly.

One of those who possesses such authority is our President – Shavkat Miromonovich! Yes, our very own President!

The current of changes taking place in our country is immense. All of them delight anyone who says, “I am an Uzbek!”

For instance, a number of news items that have occurred just in recent months still amaze me.

If two or three years ago someone had said that a harvest of eighty to ninety centners would be gathered from that cotton that we all grew tired of, yours truly would have certainly laughed and said, “Oh, come on.” But that is exactly what happened! And where, you ask? In Syrdarya region! I harvested cotton in this region when I was a student. If an average harvest of twenty centners was gathered, people would throw their hats into the sky with joy! And now!.. People cannot believe it. I have even witnessed farmers themselves looking in amazement at cotton fields with bolls opened from top to bottom and talking about it in disbelief. Were seeds brought from abroad? Yes, they were brought. But we haven't just been standing around either. Our “Porloq” variety of cotton plant is no less than foreign varieties, if not better!

In a single sentence, a revolution has taken place in cotton growing!

Yet another astonishing event.

The 3rd Copper Smelting and Refining Plant was put into operation in Almalyk. The process of building and commissioning such factories usually stretches to ten years worldwide. With us, it was accomplished in four years (yes, four years!). Even our own top experts and the American partner were apparently skeptical about this timeframe. Now this American has called on the entire world to learn from Uzbekistan's rapid experience.

Another astonishment. Not just me, but many generations of Uzbeks will be proud of the miracle being built – the Center of Islamic Civilization. This center is an edifice built with exquisite taste. Hand-crafted patterns on the walls, rare exhibits collected from all over the world – previously taken out of our own country – the Quran of Uthman, ancient manuscripts... The use of the most modern technologies to display them...

Shavkat Miromonovich gave an interesting explanation regarding the construction of this center: “We did not rush in building this center. We finished it in eight years...”.

I loved this explanation very much. Because it was not just another ordinary building being constructed, but a work of art! The creation of a work of art is approached with such patience! Our President understood this subtle point!

In short, a structure worthy of the ages has been born into the world.

I heard a conversation on the internet between two people going to witness this miracle.

– You, – said one of them as the building came fully into view, – have also seen the “Taj Mahal.” Which one is better?..

- This one is better, – said his companion, glancing at the building once. Then he decided with confidence: – This is better!

That is the end of it! This is better!

If I keep writing about such creations, it seems there will be no end to it.

I opened the internet today. Here is the mentioned news: the construction of a new 111 km railway from the center of Tashkent region bypassing Bekobod to Yangiyer, a new high-speed road to Samarkand, the commencement of major works at the new airport in Tashkent where earthworks are underway...

It seems my amazements will now know no bounds.

IN PLACE OF AN AFTERWORD.

I am a sports fan. Knowing my fandom, a younger journalist brother of mine named Khayrulla – probably in the late nineties – interviewed me for one of the football newspapers.

– Look, the Japan national football team has qualified for the World Cup finals, – he blurted out. – When will we reach the World Cup?

– Well, – I said, picturing the reality around me for a moment, – we will wait for our country to develop by emulating Japan, my brother.

We have achieved our dream. Our football players have secured qualification for the finals. So... Are we heading by emulating Japan? It looks very much like it. At any rate, our pace of development is considerably higher than that of the “Land of the Rising Sun.”

I am convinced it will be so!

Because a patriotic, pro-people, enterprising, and fair person has set out to build the present and tomorrow of our Motherland!

May 2026