Sheikh ul-Islam Mawlana Abdol Hamid, during a meeting of elites and intellectuals from Sistan-Baluchestan with the President on Thursday afternoon (November 21, 2024) in Zahedan, emphasized that the people are “the country’s most valuable asset.” He underscored the necessity of two pillars—”reliance on Allah” and “trusting the people”—to address the nation’s challenges and crises.
Sistan-Baluchestan Has Capable Individuals Who Can Serve the Nation on a National Level
According to the Information Office of the Sunni Friday Prayer Leader of Zahedan, Mawlana Abdol Hamid, after welcoming the President and his delegation, remarked:
“Mr. Pezeshkian! First and foremost, I want to thank you for taking steps toward justice and equity by appointing capable women, ethnic minorities, and members of different religious communities to significant roles. By entrusting a local from Sistan-Baluchestan with the position of governor, you have given hope to all locals of the province, making them more optimistic about their future, their country, and their homeland. Sistan-Baluchestan has talented individuals who can serve the nation effectively at the national level.”
He added:
“Of course, these are initial steps, and the public expects further and more rapid measures in this direction. In the current climate of international hostility, we need to win the hearts of all segments of the Iranian nation, including supporters, critics, and even those with or without religious beliefs. We need the support of the people. Reaching Allah is impossible without serving the people and gaining their satisfaction.”
Utilize Elites from Various Provinces in National Roles
Mawlana Abdol Hamid further stated:
“Mr. Pezeshkian! Our request is for you to trust the people of this and other provinces and employ elites from different provinces at the national level. Utilizing regional elites can serve as the best bridge to connect these areas with the central government, ensuring that the concerns of the public reach the authorities and that governmental services effectively reach the people.”
Sistan-Baluchestan Ranks Lowest in Education and Highest in Road Fatalities
Mawlana Abdol Hamid highlighted the conditions in Sistan-Baluchestan, saying:
“In comparison to other parts of the country, Sistan-Baluchestan ranks the lowest in education indicators, and the state of education here has been deteriorating over time, particularly in rural areas, where it is catastrophic. This is despite the fact that students in Sistan-Baluchestan have the highest IQ levels nationwide. If they receive proper education, they could significantly benefit the entire country.”
He added:
“Due to substandard and undivided roads, Sistan-Baluchestan has the highest road fatality rate among all provinces. Highways have yet to be constructed, and ongoing road projects are progressing at a snail’s pace, even though transitory trade relies on these narrow roads.”
Addressing President Pezeshkian, he asserted:
“We hope you will prioritize education and transportation in this province in your agenda.”
Unity and Solidarity Exist Among the Province’s People; Strengthen This Unity
He remarked:
“Thanks to Allah, the people of Sistan-Baluchestan—Shia, Sunni, Sistani, Baloch, and others—live in unity, practicing their religious duties individually while maintaining harmony. The important thing is for them to coexist in markets, offices, and political spheres.”
Mawlana Abdol Hamid emphasized:
“We ask you to strengthen this existing unity in the province. If we work side by side in all sectors, rest assured that the people themselves will safeguard security, reducing security costs to zero. When we protect our people, no adversary or rogue element will dare disrupt security in the province or region.”
He concluded:
“We are an integral part of the Iranian nation, and we feel solidarity with all Iranians, sharing in their struggles and hardships. Wherever an Iranian citizen is honored, it is as though we have been honored.”
“Narrow-Mindedness” is the Root Cause of the Problems the Country Faces Today / By “Reevaluating the Selection Process,” We Can Employ the Capable Individuals from Inside and Outside the Country
In another part of his speech, Mawlana Abdolhamid referred to the “status and great potential of the Iranian people” and said: “The Iranian people have a rich and ancient culture, and the introduction of Islamic culture into Iran has greatly enhanced the culture and capacity of this nation.”
He pointed to “narrow-mindedness” as the cause of the problems the country faces and stated: “Narrow-mindedness is the reason for the problems that the country is dealing with today. We have made the circle too small and have failed to employ many capable and qualified individuals who have greater potential.”
The Imam of Zahedan emphasized: “Currently, about ten million Iranians live abroad, and many continue to emigrate. These individuals are the assets of Iran and have talent that helps develop other countries. We hope to see the day when we can bring Iranians living abroad back to the country with pride and make use of their talents and capabilities to build the country. Together, we should all work for Iran.”
He added: “Inside the country, there are also educated and capable individuals. By reevaluating the selection process and broadening the scope of selections, we can employ those who possess greater ability, competence, and work ethic.”
Mawlana Abdolhamid continued: “The people are the most important assets of the country. If we place our trust in Allah Almighty and trust the people of Iran, and give them value, we can overcome the problems and crises.”
Resolving Issues Through “Dialogue” is the Best Approach / Western Governments Should Engage with Iran Through “Dialogue” Instead of Issuing Resolutions
The Imam of Zahedan, continuing his speech, called for “reconsideration of some policies” and said: “It is common around the world for countries to reevaluate their policies. In our country, some policies also need to be reconsidered. The best approach is to resolve issues and problems through dialogue with the world and with the people themselves.”
He added: “Our advice to the United Nations and Western governments is that, instead of issuing resolutions against Iran, they should engage through dialogue and discourse. Our advice to the officials is also to open the door for dialogue. Of course, we know that you have patience and are ready for dialogue.”
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