Hawzah News Agency- Hojatoleslam Seyyed Hasan Zafar Naqvi, secretary-general of Pakistan's Majlis-e-Wahdat-e-Muslimeen, made the remarks in an interview with the Hawzah News Agency, recounting his recent travels to Iraq and Iran and describing the resilience, hope and religious commitment of the people he met in Karbala, Najaf and Mashhad.
What follows is the text of the interview:
Naqvi said roughly 20 to 22 days had passed since the start of his journey from Pakistan, during which he was blessed to visit Karbala, Najaf and Mashhad. "In these areas, people face various problems and difficulties, but the striking point I observed during this trip was their spirit of resilience, hope and steadfastness in their beliefs and positions," he said. He noted that public dissatisfaction and protests against government performance usually increase as livelihood and social problems mount, but his recent observations, especially in Iran, showed a different situation. "Support for the Islamic Republic of Iran, despite existing difficulties, is remarkable," he said. To understand this, he added, one cannot ignore the role of the Islamic Revolution, the culture of resistance and deep faith in divine promises, as these factors play an important role in strengthening people's hope, resilience and trust.
Divine Promises: The True Source of Hope and Trust for Believers
Citing Quranic teachings, Naqvi said the promises of politicians and leaders have their place, but God's promises to the faithful are the true source of hope, assurance and trust. "Those who believe in divine promises do not lose hope in the face of difficulties and pressures and continue their path of faith with greater confidence," he said.
Referring to verse 55 of Surah An-Nur, he noted that God has promised those who believe and do righteous deeds that He will grant them succession and authority on earth, establish for them the religion He has approved, and replace their fear with security.
Manifestations of Faith and Spirituality in Karbala and Najaf
Naqvi noted that from people's prayers, supplications and expressions of emotion, it was clear that despite difficult conditions, they remain committed to their beliefs and hope. "These observations showed that faith in God and trust in divine promises can play a fundamental role in strengthening believers' spirit of resilience and hope," he said.
The Pakistani cleric, referring to recent developments in Iran and his observations of the country's public atmosphere, stressed that Iran's resistance against global powers has challenged the notion that confronting major powers and standing up to their demands is impossible.
Public Presence and Sustained Spirit of Resistance in Iran
Describing his observations from his recent trip to Iraq and Iran, Naqvi said he had the opportunity in Najaf to listen to speeches by revolutionary scholars who sought to strengthen the spirit of enthusiasm, motivation and resilience among the people. Later, traveling to Mashhad, he witnessed firsthand the people's presence, emotions and level of support for the system. "People's presence in the streets and their expressions of support, despite prolonged tensions and wartime conditions, were among the points that caught my attention," he said. These developments, he added, have challenged the perception that major powers are invincible. "Through its resistance, Iran has conveyed the message that confronting major powers is possible and that they can be forced to reconsider their goals and calculations," he said.
Resistance to Attacks and Continued National Solidarity
Referring to the damage inflicted on Iran during intense attacks and the martyrdom of a number of prominent figures, Naqvi said Iran has faced great losses and difficulties, but despite these conditions, manifestations of the people's steadfastness and sense of belonging to the country and the system remain visible. "The developments following the martyrdom of the Leader and the public reactions at that juncture have made the manifestations of the spirit of resistance even more evident," he said.
Comparing Iran's situation with other countries' experience in wartime, the Pakistani scholar said that in many countries, governments face difficulties in maintaining or gaining public support when confronting war and crisis. But his observations in Iran, he said, show a different process is also visible. "It seems that in the current conditions, even among some who previously opposed the system, changes in attitude and behavior have emerged, and some of them have now aligned with the system," he said.
In another part of his remarks, referring to the issue of leadership transition and the position of the new Leader, Naqvi stressed that in Islam, the main criterion for leadership is not merely age; knowledge, competence, courage and insight are of fundamental importance.
Referring to the character of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him), he said the Imam's life and personality are a prominent example of the union of knowledge, courage and capability in leadership. "Therefore, one cannot judge a leader's abilities and competence solely on the basis of age," he said.
The secretary-general of Pakistan's Majlis-e-Wahdat-e-Muslimeen expressed full confidence in the leadership of Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, saying that after the martyrdom of the Leader, the continuity of leadership and the level of society's trust in the new Leader are of particular importance. Acceptance of the new leadership, in his view, reflects the continuity of the system's structure and the preservation of national cohesion in the current sensitive conditions.
Naqvi stressed the importance of continuity of leadership and social solidarity, noting that recent developments, in his view, reflect the role of religious beliefs, the spirit of resistance and social bonds in how the Iranian people confront crises.
Yemen's Steadfastness Inspires Regional Resistance Movements
Referring to developments in Yemen, Iran and the regional situation, Naqvi stressed that the Yemeni nation's resilience against pressures and attacks has inspired resistance movements in the region. He also criticized what he described as double standards by global powers in dealing with regional developments, stressing the need to strengthen the political independence of Islamic countries and for Pakistan to play a mediating role to reduce regional tensions.
Describing the situation in Yemen, the religious scholar said the Yemeni nation has shown through its steadfastness and resistance that it is possible to hold firm to one's positions despite pressures and attacks. Despite military attacks and bombardments against Yemen, he said, the spirit of resistance in the country remains intact.
Criticizing the performance of global powers, he added that when the United States or the Israeli regime takes military action, various justifications are offered, but when a nation reacts to such actions, efforts are made to label it terrorism. This approach, in his view, is an example of double standards in the international arena that raises serious and fundamental questions. The impact of Yemen's steadfastness is not limited to that country's borders but can also inspire other resistance movements in the region, he said. Likewise, in his view, Iran's resistance and the sacrifices of its leaders have increased the confidence and motivation of supporters of the resistance movement in various countries.
Growing Support for Resistance and Strengthening Islamic Identity in the Muslim World
Referring to intellectual and social developments in religious circles of the subcontinent, Naqvi said that in recent conditions, individuals and currents that previously did not clearly express their positions due to certain differences or misconceptions have now come forward and are articulating their views more openly. In Pakistan, too, significant changes have been observed in the statements of some religious scholars in this regard.
Referring to the resonance of recent developments in Iran among Muslims worldwide, he said the martyrdom of the Leader and Iran's steadfastness have sparked fresh discussions about Islamic identity, dignity, independence and resistance in various circles of the Muslim world. These developments, he said, have once again raised the fundamental question of what practical and effective steps Islamic countries must take to safeguard their standing, dignity and independence in the international arena.
In another part of his remarks, referring to Pakistan's foreign policy and regional developments, Naqvi said there appear to be gaps between the views and sentiments of parts of Pakistani society and the government's policies. This difference, he said, can be examined in light of the constraints facing the government and the political decisions and foreign policies adopted over the past decades.
Referring to the evolution of Pakistan's foreign policy, he added that the country previously had greater capacity to adopt independent positions vis-à-vis global powers, but over time, certain decisions and dependencies have limited its range of choice and independence of action. The current conditions, he said, can also provide an opportunity for Pakistan to play an effective role in diplomacy.
Pakistan's Mediation: An Opportunity to Reduce Regional Tensions
Stressing the need for an independent and responsible approach in Pakistan's foreign policy, Naqvi proposed that the country take on a mediating role instead of lining up behind one of the parties to a conflict. Through diplomacy and mediation, he said, Pakistan can maintain its dignity and credibility in the international arena while playing an effective role in reducing tensions and preventing the spread of regional crises. Such an approach, he said, could pave the way for strengthening Pakistan's diplomatic standing, preserving its independence of decision-making and helping establish stability and calm in the region.
Stressing the need for a balanced foreign policy based on national interests, he said that if Pakistan acts to facilitate negotiations and mediate instead of lining up behind one party to a conflict, it can achieve a more positive and effective position at the regional level. In the context of tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, he said, Pakistan can use its diplomatic capacities to reduce differences and strengthen the dialogue process, because reducing regional tensions benefits all countries in the region.
Warning about Pakistan's internal and security challenges, the Pakistani researcher said the country currently faces numerous problems in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and in relation to Afghanistan. In such conditions, direct involvement in a new regional crisis could create further problems for Pakistan. He said Pakistan must adopt a cautious, balanced and measured policy, taking into account its internal conditions, security priorities and national interests. Such an approach, he said, could prevent problems from spreading while paving the way for a constructive role in reducing regional tensions.
Need to Assess Regional Coalitions and Peace Plans
In another part of his remarks, referring to regional coalitions and mechanisms formed to secure peace, the secretary-general of Pakistan's Majlis-e-Wahdat-e-Muslimeen stressed the need to evaluate the practical results of these initiatives. Referring to Turkey's cautious approach to certain regional issues and the performance of various coalitions, he said it must be examined to what extent these coalitions and joint measures have helped achieve real peace and stability.
Referring to the situation in Gaza, he added that despite the formation of assemblies and the presentation of various plans in the name of peace, it remains necessary to consider the practical results of these initiatives in stopping bombardments and ending the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Merely forming a coalition or announcing peace plans is not enough to resolve crises, he said; achieving sustainable peace requires practical measures, continuous diplomatic follow-up and a serious will to resolve differences at their roots.
Believers' Resilience and Hope for the Future
At the end of the interview, referring to the current global conditions, Naqvi said that despite existing difficulties and pressures, hope and trust remain alive among believers. Iran's steadfastness, the public reactions following the martyrdom of the Leader and the continued activity of resistance movements in the region show that political and military pressures do not necessarily lead to the weakening of religious beliefs and the loss of the spirit of resilience; rather, in some conditions, religious attachments and commitment to ideals are preserved, he said.
The Pakistani scholar expressed hope that Pakistan, given the current conditions, will prioritize national interests, regional responsibilities and the need to preserve its independence and diplomatic credibility in its foreign policy and play an effective role in strengthening peace, stability and mutual respect among countries in the region.
In conclusion, stressing his hope for the future of the Muslim world and the community of believers, he said: "I believe that this century, by the grace of God Almighty, will be a century of success and victory for the believers. God willing."
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