Tajikistan: A Complex Itinerary Requires a Thorough Risk Assessment

Navigating High-Risk Environments with Local Knowledge and Expertise

A recent business trip to Tajikistan highlighted the importance of understanding local context and having reliable on-the-ground contacts when navigating a high-risk environment. Control Risks’ executive protection team was brought in to assess an itinerary that spanned from the capital city, Dushanbe, to remote and volatile areas bordering Afghanistan and the Gorno-Badakhshan in the Pamir region.

The Importance of Thorough Risk Assessment

The client knew that moving ahead without a comprehensive risk assessment could have severe consequences. They wanted to be prepared for any situation that might arise, taking into account the varying levels of risk across different regions. Control Risks’ local team used their knowledge and expertise to provide a thorough security assessment, ensuring the client’s safety throughout the trip.

The Challenge: Navigating the Pamir Region

• The lack of infrastructure in the Pamir region made it challenging to map out the driving route.
• The highly mountainous terrain with little in the way of formal roads or roadway safety required robust transport arrangements.
• Reliable emergency contacts were a crucial aspect of risk management in such a complex environment.

High-Risk Areas: The Afghan Border

• A government permit is required to visit the Afghan border areas, which are not adequately secured.
• Risks stemming from drug smugglers’ use of firearms, including run-ins between smugglers and border guards, are high.
• Accurate intel can make all the difference between life and death in such a dynamic risk environment.

The Benefits of Local Knowledge and Expertise

Control Risks’ local team made sense of this complex risk environment, providing the client with a thorough security assessment. The client safely completed their itinerary, using the assessment as a protective detail concept for subsequent activities in Tajikistan. By investing time and resources up front, our team was able to cut down on preparation time, cost, and stress going forward.

Conclusion

This case study highlights the importance of local knowledge and expertise when navigating high-risk environments like Tajikistan. Control Risks’ executive protection team can provide a comprehensive risk assessment, ensuring your safety and success in even the most complex itineraries.