Until a few years ago, or more precisely before the years 1386-1387, my familiarity with the province of Sistan and Baluchestan was limited to studying reports, articles, and statistics related to the situation of the people in this region of the country. However, since 1386, I had the honor of working as a consultant and collaborator in the project “Empowerment of Informal Settlements in Zahedan” under the supervision of martyr Hadi Saber, and I was able to closely observe many neighborhoods in the city of Zahedan.

Although the results of this field study and personal observations did not have any conflicts with what I had read and heard, but without a doubt, after almost a year of coming and going and focusing on thinking and studying in Zahedan, I had a much deeper understanding and perspective towards the people of this province, especially the city of Zahedan, and I owe it all to the late Hadi Saber.

The goal of this study was to empower and provide vocational training for young volunteer groups and create suitable opportunities for their employment in eight neighborhoods of Zahedan city. The first step in starting this project was to work with local residents and community members. Therefore, a focused study was conducted through interviews with local residents, observation of the neighborhoods, and in-depth discussions with key individuals in the city and neighborhoods. Through this study, the depth of poverty, inequality, and discrimination in this region of the country was realized. Prior to this study, statistics clearly showed the levels of inequality between provinces in the country. Numerous research studies on ranking provinces in terms of development have shown that provinces such as Ilam, Kermanshah, and Lorestan, along with Sistan and Baluchestan, are generally at the bottom of the list. In the years following the revolution, in almost all indicators related to sustainable development and human development, the situation of our compatriots in Sistan and Bal

Maybe if I wasn’t an active observer, I would have never believed that city services in Zahedan are provided in a discriminatory manner between Shia and Sunni neighborhoods. For example, garbage collection in Shia neighborhoods was a common practice, even in informal settlements. But in neighborhoods where Sunnis lived, there was less news about these services; as a Shia Muslim, I have always been and still am ashamed of this situation.

My approach to Iranian issues, especially national issues, is not hidden from anyone. Promoting ethnic and religious discrimination in Iran undoubtedly has dangerous consequences for national interests and the existence of Iran. Therefore, I have never had the inclination to highlight or even criticize such issues in political affairs or make them a subject for criticizing the current situation and the performance of the rulers. However, the reality is that the performance of governments, especially local officials in areas where ethnic and religious minorities reside, has been lacking in the slightest rationality and wisdom. Therefore, not for the sake of the system’s interests or based on religious and human teachings that have been the basis of my political and social efforts, but rather, more importantly, for the preservation of national interests and the continuity and survival of Iran, we all have no choice but to make constant efforts to reduce discrimination and suffering of Baluchis, Kurds, Arabs, Lurs, and others.

Let’s not take the long way, official government statistics clearly show the fundamental weaknesses of the system’s policies towards ethnic and religious minorities. I don’t understand why if one of our Baloch or Kurdish compatriots, who are Sunni, passes away in Tehran, they cannot have a funeral or commemoration ceremony in a mosque managed by Sunni clergy. I don’t know what valid reason there is for one of my Sunni compatriots in Tehran – the capital and center of Iran – not having a special place in a mosque or suitable location to practice their religious rituals on Eid al-Fitr or other religious occasions according to their own traditions and customs. I don’t know why for thirty years, poverty and inequality indicators in the provinces of Sistan and Baluchestan, Kurdistan, and Ilam have always been in the worst condition compared to other provinces, and yet the smallest steps have not been taken to improve the situation and reduce these deep gaps.

Shirabad, Karimabad, Salt Factory, Babaian, Moradgholi, Cheliabad, behind the garage and behind the airport, are all neighborhoods where if we take a step today, we can smell the scent of Hadi Saber. Hadi’s pursuit and efforts to implement a successful plan 1000 kilometers away from Tehran was to show that we are all obligated, regardless of political concerns and border divisions, to do whatever we can at any time and in any situation to reduce discrimination, oppression, and injustice towards all the people of our homeland, especially ethnic and religious minorities. Alongside all the ideals of justice that shed light on our political and social actions, we will take a step forward and heal wounds from wounds so that tomorrow…

The people of Sistan and Baluchestan, despite all the poverty, deprivation, oppression, and double discrimination, have a great and flourishing capital. Mr. Molavi Abdulhamid, like a strong pillar and a solid shield, has been able to, with years of effort, struggle, and suffering, acquire a great social capital that is based on trust, social participation, and values such as peace, kindness, and friendship. He has been able to support and pay attention to the Sunni community, especially his fellow Baluch and Kurdish citizens, and with wisdom, vigilance, and insight, draw a bright vision for the Sunni community.

Undoubtedly, the influential role and impact of Mr. Molavi in recent events, especially in criticizing and opposing the highly discriminatory, illegal and unjust policies of the ninth and tenth governments, has left a brilliant record for him. I wish health and well-being for this clear-minded, knowledgeable and honorable figure of the Sunni community, as he is now considered a valuable asset for a prosperous, free and developed Iran, beyond just the asset of the Sunni community.