“For the Sake of the People and the Country’s Condition, We Must Engage with the World”

Shaikh ul Islam Mawlana Abdol Hamid, this morning (Thursday, November 21, 2024), during a meeting with Dr. Pezeshkian, the President, alongside a group of Shia and Sunni scholars from Sistan-Baluchestan in Zahedan, emphasized that “showing respect and addressing the demands of the nation” are the “best policy and strategy.” He stressed, “Given the conditions prevailing in the country, we need to engage with the world.”

Steps Taken Toward ‘Change’ and ‘Addressing People’s Issues’ Must Be Accelerated
According to the official website of the Sunni Friday Prayer Leader’s Office in Zahedan, Mawlana Abdol Hamid referred to the promises and statements made by the head of the 14th administration during the presidential elections and stated:
“Mr. Pezeshkian, your promises during the election period clearly demonstrated that you understood the demands and needs of the people. The Iranian nation voted for you because you addressed the people’s pains, problems, and demands, including the need for change. Fortunately, you are taking steps in this direction, but these steps need to be accelerated.”
He added, “Currently, the Iranian people are grappling with severe economic pressures. The issues faced by people in cities and especially in the rural areas of Sistan-Baluchestan are deeply concerning. Unemployment is widespread in the province, forcing people to resort to lowly and unsustainable jobs such as fuel smuggling, which neither secures their future nor befits their dignity.”

“Respecting the People is the ‘Best and Strongest Policy’ and the ‘Most Important Strategy”
Mawlana Abdol Hamid described “caring for the people” and “addressing their problems and interests” as the “best policy,” stating:
“The people are the greatest asset of the country and the system. Therefore, preserving and respecting them and attending to their demands and issues is the best policy.”
He emphasized, “Any policy that can win over the hearts of the people is the best and strongest policy and the most significant strategy. If we are among the people and in their service, their hearts will be won.”

“Engaging with the World” and “Revising Foreign and Domestic Policies” Can Alleviate Economic Issues
The Friday Prayer Leader of Zahedan stressed the necessity of “engaging with the world” and “revisiting foreign and domestic policies,” stating:
“Economics is intertwined with politics. The resolutions issued against Iran, the latest of which was issued today, have led to price hikes in the market. This demonstrates the direct link between ‘economics’ and ‘politics.’”
He reiterated, “As long as we do not revise our domestic and foreign policies—particularly foreign policies—we cannot resolve economic problems or enhance the value of our national currency. For the sake of the people and the prevailing conditions in the country, it is essential to engage with the world.”

Local Communities Excluded from Major Provincial Projects
Mawlana Abdol Hamid further elaborated on the issues facing Sistan-Baluchestan Province, stating:
“There are numerous large-scale projects in Sistan-Baluchestan, but unfortunately, local communities have not been included in these projects and have no place in them.”
He emphasized:
“The province’s land and sea borders are among its most significant potentials. Worldwide, borders are seen as ‘opportunities,’ but regrettably, our borders have become ‘threats,’ constantly opening and closing. Unfortunately, there is no unified management system involving capable individuals to establish policies, and decision-making in this area is inconsistent.”
He continued:
“Sistan-Baluchestan is home to exceptional, massive, and highly valuable mineral resources with substantial reserves. These large-scale mines could transform the country, alleviating burdens on both the nation and the government. These resources must be managed and exploited in ways that benefit the Iranian people, with local communities also having a stake in them. It shouldn’t be the case that only large companies profit from these resources, while the local population gains nothing beyond a few basic labor jobs and is left to deal with environmental damages.”
The Friday Prayer Leader of Zahedan highlighted:
“The vast plains in Sistan-Baluchestan are currently being cultivated by some companies on farms spanning thousands of hectares, utilizing local dams and groundwater. Similarly, in the Makran Coastal Development Plan, coastal lands are being used, yet many local people, who have lived in these areas for centuries, still reside in makeshift shelters. If these communities are excluded from major projects, it would be a severe shortcoming, leading to public dissatisfaction and discontent.”

The ‘Security Atmosphere’ in the Province Deters Investors
Engage the Public for Sustainable Security
In another part of his speech, Mawlana Abdol Hamid addressed the implications of the province’s “security atmosphere,” stating:
“Sistan-Baluchestan has a security-focused environment, which discourages investors from coming to the province. Therefore, it is crucial to shift the province’s environment from ‘security-focused’ to one that promotes ‘workshops and employment.’”
He emphasized:
“Regarding security, a policy must be adopted that involves the public in establishing and maintaining security. Public participation in this regard reduces the costs of ensuring security and fosters sustainable, long-term stability. Using coercive measures for security might result in temporary stability but could also lead to dissatisfaction among certain segments of the population.”

‘Employing Competent and Honest Individuals’ is the People’s Primary Demand from Dr. Pezeshkian
Concluding his remarks, the Friday Prayer Leader of Zahedan expressed satisfaction with the appointment of “a competent individual” as the governor of Sistan-Baluchestan, saying:
“We appreciate Dr. Pezeshkian’s trust in appointing a qualified and capable local individual as the governor of Sistan-Baluchestan, as well as his decision to select Mr. Abdolkarim Hosseinzadeh as deputy governor.”
He added:
“The people’s demand from Dr. Pezeshkian is to utilize capable and competent individuals. We, the Sunni and Baloch communities, do not seek unqualified individuals. Instead, we want representatives from various ethnicities and sects who are honest, competent, and capable of delivering results, avoiding actions that tarnish the reputation of the people or the government.”