Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdolhamid, on December 19th, 2025 (Friday Prayer in Zahedan), referring to the head of the fourteenth government’s admission of inability to solve the country’s economic problems, stated: In our country’s governing system, the government is not the custodian of policy but merely the executor of policy. As long as perspectives do not change and policies are not altered, economic reform and overcoming the current economic crisis are impossible.
According to the Information Base of the Office of the Sunni Friday Prayer Leader of Zahedan, Mawlana Abdolhamid, referring to the recent remarks of the President—who said that nothing could be done for the country’s economy and that anyone with a proposal should present it—said: It is true that the government says it lacks the power to solve the problems, because in our governing system policies are not in the government’s hands. The government is not the custodian of policy; it is the executor of policy, and decisions regarding policies are made elsewhere.
He emphasized: The best way for the country to break out of its economic deadlocks is to change domestic and foreign policies and to change perspectives. Economic reform is not possible without changing policies. By changing foreign policies and removing sanctions from over the country, you will see how economic problems are resolved.
🔹 All Segments Of Society Face Deadlock In Life; Decision-Making Centers Must Hear The “Voice Of The Nation” And Seek “Change” And “Solutions To People’s Problems”
The Friday Prayer Leader of Zahedan said: At present, the value of the currency is collapsing on a daily basis and has completely lost its value at the global level. The salaries that employees, military personnel, teachers, retirees, and other groups receive have no real value, and all segments of society are facing deadlock in their lives.
He noted: “Qadiyyatun wa lā Abā Hasan lahā”—meaning a very great and complex situation has arisen, one that requires a person like Imam Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) to manage and resolve it. Solving economic problems requires great determination. We are citizens, and citizens can only propose solutions; nothing is in their hands. Those to whom Almighty Allah has granted power and who sit in decision-making centers must hear the voice of the nation and think seriously about creating changes and solving the people’s problems.
🔹 “Ending Discrimination” And “Employing Qualified Individuals From All Ethnicities, Religions, And Women” Is A Public Demand
Continuing his Friday Prayer remarks in Zahedan, Mawlana Abdolhamid emphasized ending discrimination and said: One of the long-standing demands of the public is that discrimination be removed and that equality and fairness be established among all ethnicities and religions.
He added: Although the people of Iran hold diverse beliefs and preferences, the requirements of good governance and fairness dictate that balance be created among the entire nation—especially in regions with ethnic and religious diversity—and that qualified individuals from all groups be employed. This is the best way to preserve unity, brotherhood, and mutual understanding, and it serves the interests of the country and all ethnicities and religions.
🔹 Capable Local Managers Should Be Supported By The Central Government
The Friday Prayer Leader of Zahedan further emphasized supporting capable local managers, stating: In the fourteenth government, in some provinces—including Sistan and Baluchestan—positive steps have been taken toward employing local managers. Although full balance has not yet been achieved and discrimination and inequality still exist, the expectation and demand of all is that capable local managers be supported by the central government and not be rapidly replaced.
🔹 The CEO Of The Chabahar Free Trade Zone Is A “Highly Capable Individual”; Replacing Him With A Non-Local Manager Will Face “Widespread Public Dissatisfaction In The Province”
Mawlana Abdolhamid continued by describing Mohammad Saeed Arbabi, CEO of the Chabahar Free Trade Zone, as “a capable manager” and stated: The CEO of the Chabahar Free Trade Zone is a very capable individual, and the majority of people are satisfied with him. Since he assumed office, a real transformation has taken place in the Chabahar Free Trade Zone, to the extent that people of the province now feel that the Free Trade Zone truly exists and functions within their province. In addition, the Sistan Free Trade Zone has also begun its activities, all of which represent valuable opportunities for the people of the region.
The Friday Prayer Leader of Zahedan expressed concern over the possible replacement of the CEO of the Chabahar Free Trade Zone and said: These days, there are concerns that they intend to replace the current CEO—who is a capable local figure—with a non-local individual, whereas such an action would lead to widespread dissatisfaction among the people.
He added: The current CEO of the Chabahar Free Trade Zone has been in office for only nine months. Let him work for some time, and if there are weaknesses, correct them. Even if, after a period, you decide to change this CEO, you should again appoint a capable local manager who is at least at the same level or higher. No human being is without flaws; however, if a capable local manager—whose presence benefits the country and the province and who has made efforts in the interest of the people—is removed, morale will be lost among other managers as well.
He concluded by emphasizing: The people want a capable local manager who possesses initiative, ability, and innovation, and they want the government to support such managers, give them room to act, and not replace them hastily. Moreover, in border regions, governance should be carried out with greater wisdom and consideration for the people. Therefore, we hope the government will address this issue and, instead of replacing the local manager of the Free Trade Zone with a non-local one, will support this local manager. Such an approach will yield positive results.