The Welfare of the People Should Be the Priority in All Policy Decisions

On the evening of Wednesday, October 30, 2024, Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdol Hamid addressed the people of Chabahar, emphasizing the unique strategic and exceptional position of Chabahar and the coastal areas of Sistan-Baluchistan. He stressed the need to prioritize the welfare of the people of Chabahar and the coastal regions in benefiting from local resources and facilities.
According to the Sunni Friday Prayer Office in Zahedan, Mawlana Abdol Hamid stated, “The province of Sistan-Baluchistan, especially its coastal areas connected to vast and oceanic waters, has an exceptional position. Therefore, policies in these areas should prioritize the coastal residents first, then the people of Sistan-Baluchistan, and, finally, other Iranians.”
He added, “Chabahar belongs to all Iranians and benefits everyone. However, it’s essential for the people of Chabahar and the surrounding areas to benefit from its resources as well, which is a common demand. If the Free Zone was previously promoted, the aim was for the local people to benefit first, with revenues directed towards building infrastructure and creating jobs for locals. This same priority should be given in other resources, such as fertile lands and mines.”
The Sunni Friday Prayer Leader of Zahedan emphasized, “The people of Sistan-Baluchistan have endured significant hardship and deprivation. If policies for utilizing the province’s resources prioritize the public good, many of the province’s fundamental issues will be addressed.”

Iran is Blessed with Many Resources; Schools and Universities Should Be Prioritized in Accessing These Resources
In another part of his speech, Mawlana Abdol Hamid highlighted the importance of education, calling it “the foundation of every society.” He expressed concern over the lack of cooling facilities for students in some Chabahar schools, particularly in warmer regions, and emphasized that, given the vast resources in Iran, schools and universities should be prioritized in accessing these benefits. “Education and knowledge are the foundation of any society. Therefore, there must be proper planning and investment in education for all sectors of society,” he noted.
He advised, “I urge all brothers and sisters to prioritize education. Without enough educated, skilled, and pious scholars, we cannot properly manage our worldly and religious affairs. We ask scholars to support not only religious education but also secular education in public schools. Families should also collaborate and plan for this.”

Welcoming the Appointment of a Local Governor for Sistan-Baluchistan / Positive Actions Lead to Increased Unity and Change
Mawlana Abdol Hamid referred to the appointment of the new governor of Sistan-Baluchistan in the fourteenth administration and expressed his pleasure at the government’s decision to appoint a local individual for this position. He described the new governor as capable, knowledgeable, and experienced, having served as Deputy Governor for Development.
Mawlana Abdol Hamid stated, “We welcome this decision by the government. Employing competent individuals is a major demand, as appointing incapable officials—whether Shia, Sunni, or from any ethnic or political group—harms both the people and the state. Even if an official has a stronger religious or ideological connection, if they lack integrity or engage in corruption, the damage is extensive.”
The Friday Prayer Leader of Zahedan expressed hope for further positive developments in the future, adding, “Good actions benefit the country and everyone, leading to increased unity, cohesion, and favorable change.”

Security of the Region and Province Must Be Maintained
In conclusion, Mawlana Abdol Hamid stressed the importance of “maintaining security” in the region and province, saying, “We emphasize the need to maintain security in the region and the province. Insecurity harms everyone. Everyone should strive to preserve peace and security and pursue their demands through lawful and correct channels. We must all focus on justice, fairness, brotherhood, and friendship.”