Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdol Hamid, on Saturday afternoon (November 2, 2024), expressed satisfaction at the inauguration ceremony for the new governor of Sistan and Baluchestan, celebrating the selection of a qualified, local Sunni Baloch for the position. He emphasized that employing capable individuals from diverse ethnicities and addressing people’s needs effectively contribute to “public satisfaction” and “reducing the costs of maintaining security.”
“I sense the President is Striving to Fulfill his Promises.”
According to the office of the Friday Prayer Leader of Sunnis in Zahedan, Mawlana Abdol Hamid, during the event held at Ferdowsi Hall of Sistan and Baluchestan University and attended by the Minister of Interior, Eskandar Momeni, extended his greetings to all participants, particularly the special guests. He remarked, “Due to a previous incident, I have not been able to attend gatherings for over two years, but I have always been devoted to the wellbeing of the province and its people.”
Continuing, he noted: “Now that I am here, I sense that the esteemed President is endeavoring to keep his promises for the good of the people and the nation. Steps have indeed been taken in this direction, although further positive measures are still needed.”
The Iranian People Value Benevolent Words and Deeds
Mawlana Abdol Hamid added: “One of the President’s promises was to utilize diverse ethnicities and sects in governance. Fortunately, steps have been made in this regard, with governors appointed from local communities in provinces like Kurdistan, Khuzestan, and now Sistan and Baluchestan.”
He continued: “There is great wisdom in appointing qualified locals, as it fosters public approval and satisfaction. After the announcement of a capable, local Sunni Baloch for the governorship, people across the province rejoiced at the government’s trust in a talented individual from within the region, giving him an opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities.”
Mawlana Abdol Hamid further stated: “Every ethnic and religious group, and the people of Iran—indeed, even Iranians living abroad—are among the nation’s greatest assets. The Iranian people are distinguished by their commitment to unity and the preservation of the country’s integrity.”
He concluded, “Among Iranian men and women, there is a wealth of qualified individuals. The more the state trusts its people and the more policies align with the people’s needs, the greater the positive outcomes will be. The Iranian people are thoughtful, grateful, and appreciative of anyone who speaks or acts for their welfare.”
The 14th Government Should Employ “Capable” and “Trustworthy” Individuals; Special Attention Should Be Given to Qualified Women
Continuing his remarks, Mawlana Abdol Hamid referenced the verse from the Quran, “One of them said, ‘O my father, hire him! Indeed, the best one you can hire is the strong and trustworthy.’” (Al-Qasas: 26). He explained that the Quran recounts the advice of Prophet Shu’ayb’s daughter to her father upon Prophet Musa’s arrival in Madyan, advising him to employ Musa for his strength and trustworthiness. God included this statement in the Quran to highlight that societies should be built on these principles, and that capable and trustworthy people should be appointed. Similarly, Prophet Yusuf said to the ruler of Egypt, “Appoint me over the storehouses of the land; indeed, I am a knowledgeable guardian.” (Yusuf: 55).
Mawlana Abdol Hamid emphasized that the 14th government should follow this Quranic guidance by hiring competent and trustworthy individuals, stressing that “meritocracy” should not be just a slogan but practiced sincerely. He added, “Trust someone even if they’re distant from you; when you bring them close, they’ll feel grateful and serve the government, system, and country wholeheartedly.” He also advocated special consideration for competent women, acknowledging that the government has already made some strides in this area.
He remarked that balance in meritocracy is essential: “It deeply troubles me to see that in incidents where officers are martyred, they’re all from one sect or group. We’ve repeatedly urged that all ethnicities and sects be represented in the armed forces so that, if martyred, they fall together. This would foster unity and closeness.”
Addressing People’s Problems is the “Best Policy”
Mawlana Abdol Hamid continued: “Attending to people’s issues is the greatest and best policy. Many services have been provided in the province and are appreciated, but due to the economic conditions, the poverty and issues here are so extensive that, when you visit, you might feel as though nothing has been done.” He added, “The strategy of listening to the legitimate demands of the people works nationwide. Iranians are discerning and understand the government’s constraints. ‘Relying on Allah Almighty’ and ‘trusting the people’ are the best solutions for addressing problems and challenges.”
In Sistan and Baluchestan, Sectarian and Ethnic Differences Are Not an Issue; the People Support Unity and Reject Division
Representation of Diverse Groups in State Agencies and Offices Reduces Security Costs to Zero
Mawlana Abdol Hamid referred to the recent attack on a police patrol in the Taftan region, expressing deep sorrow over the incident. He said, “The recent incident in Goharkouh, Taftan, was extremely painful. Winning people’s hearts is the best way to prevent such occurrences. The government’s decision to appoint a Sunni Baloch as governor is a step in this direction.”
He added, “Sectarian or ethnic divisions aren’t issues in Sistan and Baluchestan. The people here share historical kinship and stand with each other in hardship. They support unity and dislike division, regardless of who promotes it. Thus, by including people from all backgrounds in various departments and agencies, security costs in the province can be reduced to zero, and the people themselves will maintain security.”
Continuing the Government’s Current Path Eases Resolving the Zahedan Incident
Mawlana Abdol Hamid noted, “If the government continues on this path, people will come together. The approach taken by the 14th government and the steps made in this direction will also facilitate resolving the incident that took place a few years ago in Zahedan. Mr. Pezeshkian and other officials are working on this matter.”
While “Supporting” the New Governor, “Special Authority” Should Be Granted
In conclusion, Mawlana Abdol Hamid stressed the need to “grant the governor special authority to resolve issues” and said, “People want the new governor to be both supported and empowered with special authority.” He added, “Based on our knowledge of the new governor, he will not discriminate among the people of the region; our hope is that he will work wholeheartedly and create opportunities for other local individuals in the province. The people of the province will also support him.”
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