Afghan Shiite leaders convene public forum to support Islamic system

KABUL (Pajhwok): The High Commission of Shiites of Afghanistan held a “People’s Meeting for Strengthening the Islamic System and Defending the Country’s Territorial Integrity” in Kabul on Monday, bringing together members of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) and religious scholars under the slogan: “This meeting is the voice of the people, a message of unity and solidarity.”

Sheikh Noor Mohammad Haqqani, Deputy of Professional Affairs and Policy at the Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice and Complaints Hearing, emphasized that, according to the Holy Quran, Muslims must remain united, as division brings great harm.

He said that during four years of the IEA’s rule, efforts have been made to maintain Muslim unity and strengthen national cohesion.

He added that both the government and the people must be committed to each other, and citizens should cooperate with the IEA in all areas. While the military conflict has ended, Haqqani warned that the intellectual, propaganda, and media battles are ongoing.

He also highlighted that the Islamic Emirate is inclusive, with representation from all ethnic groups and provinces, and reiterated the IEA’s commitment to the rights granted to women under Islam.

Mohammad Ali Akhlaqi, Director General of the High Commission of Shiites, described war and division as among the gravest threats to society. He stressed that security and stability are not solely the responsibility of the government and that citizens must play an active role.

He added that Afghanistan’s stability benefits neighboring countries and that no nation would gain from attempts to sow division. Akhlaqi called on regional and international actors to recognize and engage with the IEA, noting Afghanistan’s strategic importance in the region.

Abdul Latif Nazari, Deputy of Professional Affairs at the Ministry of Economy, cautioned that enemies are attempting to manipulate public opinion through narratives.

He urged people to remain vigilant and resilient against this “war of narratives,” and stressed that the IEA is the most politically independent system in the region, making foreign relations decisions based on national interests.

Religious scholar Hujjat al-Islam Seyed Hassan Fazelzadeh called on the Islamic Emirate to actively prevent divisions, emphasizing that Shiites stand firmly with the IEA and will continue to support its initiatives in all areas of aid and cooperation.

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