Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Hawzah News Agency during his visit to the organization’s headquarters, Rizvi detailed his religious background, political engagements, and an analysis of current developments in Pakistan and the broader Islamic world.
Background and Scholarly Journey
Rizvi, a native of Karachi, began his seminary studies in Syria in 1991, undertaking research at the Sayyidah Zainab Seminary and later the Imam Khomeini Seminary. He later spent two years in Lebanon before moving to Qom in 1997, where he studied under prominent scholars. He returned to Pakistan in 2008 to engage in religious, educational, and missionary work, eventually assuming senior responsibilities within the Imamiyya Students Organization and later the Muslim Unity Council.
Formation of the Muslim Unity Council Amid Crisis
According to Rizvi, the early 2000s to 2014–15 marked one of the most turbulent periods for Pakistan’s Shiite community, marked by targeted killings, bombings, and systematic violence.
“During that time, the Shia population lived under constant threat. There was an urgent need for a structured, national institution capable of defending their rights and raising their voice at the highest levels,” he said.
He noted that prominent leaders—including Senator Raja Nasser Abbas Jafari—were active on the ground but lacked a unified organizational framework. The creation of the Pakistan Muslim Unity Council filled this vacuum and soon produced “tangible and positive results,” including a decline in violence between 2012 and 2014 and greater national recognition of Shiite concerns.
Addressing Critical Flashpoints
Rizvi highlighted several key conflict zones:
- Dera Ismail Khan: Shiite displacement had turned the area into a near ghost town.
- Parachinar: The region faced a four- to five-year blockade. “The Unity Council played a decisive role in breaking this siege,” he said.
- Quetta and Karachi: Daily terrorist attacks required sustained intervention and advocacy.
He emphasized that under the guidance of Senator Raja Nasser Abbas Jafari—a seminary-trained cleric connected to Imam Khomeini’s movement and leaders such as Martyr Qassem Soleimani and Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah—the organization helped restore the community’s national stature.
Political Breakthroughs
Rizvi cited the Council’s successive electoral achievements:
- First entry into politics in 2013, securing a seat in the Baluchistan Assembly.
- Three representatives elected in Gilgit-Baltistan in 2015.
- A seat in the Punjab Assembly in 2018.
- Significant representation in the 2020 Gilgit-Baltistan elections, including three ministries.
- Formation of a parliamentary group in 2023, with Engineer Hamid Hussain elected to the National Assembly.
He described these milestones as “historic,” noting that a Shiite religious party had, for the first time in Pakistan’s 76-year history, gained parliamentary group status.
Promoting Shia–Sunni Unity
Rizvi stressed that unity has been the guiding principle of the Movement.
“Our cooperation with Sunni scholars began from day one,” he said, citing political collaboration with the Shura Ittehad-ul-Sunni Council, led by Hamid Raza, and friendly ties with figures such as Tahir-ul-Qadri.
He said Shia–Sunni relations in Pakistan have dramatically improved: “Today, both communities openly visit each other’s homes, collaborate in social activities, and share in each other’s joys and hardships.”
Internal Shiite Harmony
Rizvi underlined the need for unity within the Shiite community itself. Pakistan’s two main Shiite organizations—the Shia Ulema Council and the Muslim Unity Council—maintain close coordination on major national issues, including religious rights, education policy, and confronting anti-Shiite schemes.
“Despite minor differences, there is no hostility. Our relations are based on respect and mutual understanding.”
Support for Palestine and Concern Over Pakistan’s Foreign Policy
Rizvi reiterated the Council’s unwavering stance on Palestine, calling the cause “a top priority of the Muslim Ummah.”
He warned of internal efforts to push Pakistan toward the Abraham Accords and normalize relations with Israel. “Our mission is to mobilize all segments of society to resist this dangerous move.”
He reaffirmed the movement’s alignment with the stance of Pakistan’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who declared Israel an illegitimate entity.
Rizvi also pointed to common ground with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), noting that a shared refusal to recognize Israel is one of the two parties agreed principles.
Empowering Youth Through Balanced Education
The Council’s Youth Section, he said, operates nationwide to provide both religious and technical education. Programs include:
- Religious training rooted in the Quran, Sunnah, and teachings of Imam Khomeini and the Leader of the Islamic Revolution
- Workshops, educational games, and group activities
- Training in computer skills, trade, and entrepreneurship
“This integrated model prepares the next generation for both spiritual and economic self-reliance.”
Pilgrimage Challenges and Government Restrictions
Rizvi condemned the government’s sudden restrictions on Arbaeen pilgrimage routes, calling them “unjust.”
Despite negotiations led by Senator Raja Nasser Abbas, the government failed to resolve the crisis, prompting a popular march from Karachi to the Ramadan border.
“This public pressure ultimately forced the government to retreat and promise future facilitation,” he said, but warned that similar restrictions may return.
He urged pilgrims to remain prepared and vigilant and praised local cooperation in Baluchistan, especially at the Taftan and Ramadan border crossings.
Closing Remarks
Rizvi concluded by praying for the end of oppression against Muslims worldwide and for greater unity within the Islamic Ummah.
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