Local Authorities in the Province and Chabahar Free Zone Must Prioritize the Interests of Coastal Communities

Today, on Friday, February 14, 2025, during the Friday prayer ceremony in Chabahar, Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdol Hamid addressed some of the challenges faced by coastal communities. He urged the Governor of Sistan and Baluchistan and the CEO of the Chabahar Free Zone, as two local officials, to address the problems of the people and ensure that they benefit from large-scale development projects in the region.

Land Ownership Issues in Chabahar Remain Unresolved
According to the official website of the Friday Prayer Office of Sunni Muslims in Zahedan, Mawlana Abdol Hamid stated:
“Unfortunately, Chabahar, Tis, Konarak, and other coastal areas face numerous challenges, and the concerns of the people in these regions have not been adequately addressed over time.”
He added:
“It is reported that many residents of Chabahar still do not have official title deeds for their properties. Many people own land, yet they have not been issued proper documentation. This is one of the reasons why land transactions in the area are often unstable and involve multiple unregulated sales.”
Referring to a serious issue, he warned:
“One of the most dangerous problems in the country today is the existence of multiple title deeds for the same land, including forged documents. This type of corruption has affected many governmental institutions.”
Mawlana Abdol Hamid also criticized the unjust appropriation of land by large corporations, stating:
“Major corporations that have come to exploit the region’s resources are taking ownership of land and registering it under their names. While they make significant profits from the projects being implemented in the area, the local people continue to suffer from poverty, hunger, and unemployment.”

Investment Companies Must Consider the Interests of the Local Population
The Friday Prayer Leader of Zahedan continued:
“In the past, coastal residents faced less unemployment than other regions. However, with the increasing number of stakeholders seeking to exploit marine resources—including major companies and foreign investors—if local people continue to suffer from hunger and economic hardship, neither God nor the people will accept this injustice.”
He further emphasized:
“Both domestic and foreign companies that seek to benefit from the resources of coastal communities must be required to prioritize the well-being, livelihoods, and employment of local residents.”

Prioritizing Water Supply for Coastal Communities
Mawlana Abdol Hamid also highlighted the severe drinking water crisis in Chabahar, stating:
“How can people living next to the sea struggle with access to drinking water? Who will answer to God for this?”
He added:
“If seawater is being desalinated and transported to other provinces, then first and foremost, the issue of drinking water for coastal residents must be addressed.”

With Local Leaders in Charge, There Is No Excuse for Neglecting the People’s Needs
The Friday Prayer Leader of Zahedan noted:
“Now that both the Governor of Sistan and Baluchistan and the CEO of Chabahar Free Zone are local and committed officials, there is no longer any excuse for neglecting the problems of this region’s residents.”
He advised provincial authorities:
“Our recommendation to local officials is to focus all their efforts on solving the problems of the province’s residents. At the same time, we expect greater cooperation with local managers so that they can successfully address these challenges.”

The Government and the President Must Pay Special Attention to Sistan and Baluchistan / Large-Scale Projects Must Benefit Local Communities
Mawlana Abdol Hamid stressed:
“Our expectation from the government and the president is that Sistan and Baluchistan—especially its coastal communities—be given special attention. The people of these regions, who have endured so much hardship, must be prioritized in benefiting from economic opportunities.”
He recalled a conversation with the President during his visit to Zahedan, stating:
“I told the honorable President that the people of Sistan and Baluchistan have endured widespread deprivation, despite the fact that this province possesses significant national resources, including large and rare mineral deposits, exceptional fertile lands, and vast coastlines—all of which are part of the country’s strategic assets. These resources are far beyond what a single company can exploit.”**
He concluded:
“Large-scale projects must ensure that the people of the province are considered. Infrastructure development in the region must be prioritized, as it will benefit both the province and the country. We expect the local and national administration to safeguard the interests of the people.”

The People of Iran Are Enduring Extreme Economic Hardship / Authorities Must Recognize These Issues and Find an “Urgent Solution”
During his speech at the Friday prayer ceremony in Chabahar, the Friday Prayer Leader of Zahedan, Mawlana Abdol Hamid, addressed the economic and livelihood challenges faced by the general public across Iran.
He stated:
“Today, all Iranians are experiencing extreme economic hardship. The national currency has lost its value, negatively impacting businesses and causing inflation and soaring prices.”
Mawlana Abdol Hamid further explained:
“When a family’s breadwinner has no job or income, numerous social issues arise. Many families have fallen apart, leading to an increase in the divorce rate across the country. Theft, banditry, murder, and various other crimes have become more prevalent, many of which stem from poverty and financial distress. ‘Poverty’ is one of the most devastating afflictions in the world.”
He emphasized:
“Solving economic issues requires an immediate solution. Authorities must recognize the struggles of the people and seek effective remedies. If the people are hungry, then officials and scholars should also be willing to share in that hardship.”

Insecurity Is One of the Worst Phenomena
In the final part of his speech, Mawlana Abdol Hamid stressed the importance of maintaining security, stating:
“We strongly emphasize the need to preserve security. The people, religious scholars, security forces, and officials must all work together to maintain stability.”
He added:
“Insecurity is one of the worst phenomena, and it is deeply damaging to the region. It inflicts the greatest harm on the interests of the people.”